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CONTAINING THE MOST INTERESTING INCIDExNTS 

CONNECTED WITH HIS PRIVATE AND PUBLIC 

CAREER, 



BY HUGH MOORE. 



PLATTSBURGH, N. Y. ^ 

PUBLISHED BY O. R. COOK. 



1834, 






Entered according to act of Congress^ in the 
year 1833, by Orkin Randolph Cook, in the 
Cleric's Office of the District Court of the United 
States, for the Soxithcrn> District of JVeiv York, 



F. p. ALLEN, PR. PLATTSBUECIL 



INTRODUCTION. 



The human mind is ever eager in the pur- 
suit of knowledge — ever awake to the inci- 
dents of hfe, as they spring into existence 
from the actions of mankind: and, perhaps, 
nothing is more deeply interesting, than the 
impressions given us by the '' deeds of noble 
daring," achieved by those brave and patri- 
otic men who breasted the current of oppres- 
sion, in the days of trial, and periled their 
" hves, their fortunes and their sacred hon- 
ors" in defence of their country's liberties. 
It is well, then, to transmit to posterity, as an 
inheritance worthy of preservation, the les- 
sons our fathers have taught us, and the ben- 
efits they have conferred upon mankind. — 
Earth contains no brighter treasure, than the 
imsulhed lustre of patriotism — and a coun- 
try, hke our own, can boast no dearer feeling 
than the veneration she may entertain for the 
valour and bravery of her sons. 



IV lNTRODtJCTIOIS^ 

The American Revolution called forth th& 
latent energies of many individuals, who 
would, in a more peaceable state of political 
affairs, have slumbered in obscurity, and 
gone down to the grave unhonored and un- 
known. The very nature of the policy of 
Great Britain towards this country — a policy 
every way tyrannical and oppressive — was 
calculated to call into action the efforts of 
every friend of liberty. It was an attempt to 
strip us of our rights, and manacle us with 
the fetters of slaverv — an envenomed thrust 
of the adder towards the breast of the inno- 
cent and the weak. But, thanks to the spirit 
which prevailed among our fathers — thanks 
to the patriotism which then vv^armed the 
hearts of the people — the mercenaries of a 
foreign pov^^er were unequal to the task of 
accomplishing the designs of their masters. 
Our population rallied to the calls of the 
brave and wise men of our country, imbued 
with a spirit worthy the little band which de- 
fended the Pass of Thermopylae. They 
fought and they conquered ; and their de- 
clining years were cheered with the knowl* 
edge that the country for which they had 



iNTRODUCTlQN. V 

struggled so long and fearfully, was prosper- 
ous and happy, and that their deeds were 
fondly remembered. 

Perhaps no individual, of equal advan-^ 
tages, and the station he occupied in life^ 
contributed more towards establishing the 
independence of our country, than Ethan 
Allen, the subject of this memoir. The 
mass of the people among whom he resided, 
were rude and uncultivated ; yet bold in spir- 
it and zealous in action. It, consequently y 
followed, that no one, save a man of strong 
natural endowments — of much decision, en- 
ergy and bravery, could control their preju- 
dices and inchnations. Habit had rendered 
them familiar with danger, and impatient of 
restraint : hence, it followed, that no pohcy, 
unless proceeding from a source in which 
they had confidence, ever gained their ap- 
probation. Upon Allen, whose courage wa-s 
undoubted, and whose zealous devotion to 
their interests was universally acknowledged, 
they implicitly relied. They had known him 
in adversity and prosperity — they had weigh- 
ed him, and found nothing lacking. To' 
friend or foe, he was ev^r the same unyieli* 



VI INTRODUCTION. , 

ing advocate of the rights of man, and uni- 
versal liberty. The policy, therefore, he up- 
held, as beneficial to the common cause of 
American liberty, ever found strong and effi- 
tient supporters in the friends with whom he 
associated, and by v/hom he vv^as known. 

From the commencement of our Revolu- 
tionary struggle, until its final close, Ethan- 
Allen proved a zealous and strenuous sup- 
porter of the cause. Whether in the field 
or the council — whether at home, a freeman 
among the mountains of Vermont, or loaded 
with the manacles of despotism, in a foreign 
country, his spirit never quailed beneath the 
sneer of the tory or the harsh threats of in- 
solent authority. A stranger to fear, hi» 
opinions were ever given without disguise or 
hesitation : and, an enemy to oppression, he 
sought every opportunity to redress the 
wrongs of the oppressed. It is not to be 
supposed^ however, that he was faultless : 
Like otlier men, he had his errors — like oth- 
er men, his foibles t Yet he was not wilfully 
stubborn in either.. When convinced of an 
erroneous position,, he was ever wilhng to 
yield a victory : but, ia theory, a& in prac- 



INTRODUCTION^ VII 

tice, lie contested every inch of ground ; and 
only yielded when he had no weapons left to 
meet his antagonist. This trait in his char- 
acter serves, at least, to prove, that he was 
honest in his conclusions, however erroneous 
the premises from which they were deducted. 
Much error of opinion prevails among all 
classes of individuals, in relation to the char- 
acter of Col. Allen, at the present period. — 
He is generally viewed as a coarse, ignorant 
man, void of all the social feelings, and arro- 
gant in all his pretensions. Even Mr. Dwight 
in his " Travels in Nev/-England," reports 
him in this light ; and deems him only worthy 
a brief and unjust notice in his work. In 
what manner Mr. Dwight came in possess- 
ion of the facts upon which he predicated 
his conclusions, is beyond the knowledge of 
the author of this Memoir : but, certain it is, 
he has materially misrepresented the moral 
principles, and, in fact, the general character 
of Col. Allen, it is presumed, however^ 
that Mr. Dwight, like many other travellers, 
drew his inferences from the gossip of the 
people among whom he associated, without 
being at the trouble of extending his enqui* 



Vilf INTRODUCTION. 

ries to a source from whence he might have 
derived every material fact in relation to the 
subject. In making this suggestion,, the au- 
thor would not be understood as attaching 
any particular blame to Mr. Dwight : but 
merely as correcting ^.n error of opinion which 
is quite too prevalent in our country. 

The author much regrets the absence of 
many important facts, which, could he have 
obtained them, would have given additional 
interest to the work : He has the satisfaction, 
however, of knowing, that many interesting 
particulars are furnished which have never 
before appeared in print. The reader will? 
also, find a correct history of the Controversy 
between the States of Mew-York and Vermont, 
in which Col. Allen bore a conspicuous part, 
together with a number of Original Letters, 
obtained from the Secretary's Office of the 
State of New-York. For a large proportion of 
the facts in the Memoir, the author is indebt- 
ed to the Vermont State Papers, Thompsoii's 
History of Vermont, and to " A Narrative of 
CoL Ethan Attends Captivity,'^'' written by hini^ 
self, and published at Walpole, N. H., in the 
year 1807-— the details of which he has avait 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

ed himself of, so far as was compatible with 
the design of the present work. He is, also, 
indebted to the kindness of several individu- 
als, in Vermont, who have assisted him in col- 
lecting many important incidents connected 
with the public and private life of Col. Allen. 
In some few instances, perhaps, he has fallen 
into shght errors in regard to the data of the 
difterent events in which Col. Allen was 
concerned : and, perhaps, a few unimpor- 
tant statements may be partially erroneous t 
In the aggregate, however, they will be found 
well authenticated, and worthy of reliance. 

As the author is urged, in this undertaking, 
almost wholly by a desire to rescue many im- 
portant historical events from oblivion, and 
to perpetuate the services rendered our com- 
mon country, by an individual who now 
sleeps in the tomb, he trusts his labours will 
prove a welcome offering to his fellow-citi- 
zens 

HUGH MOORE. 

Plattsburgh, N. Y., Dec. 9, 1833. 



MEIVIOIR. 



Joseph Allen, the father of Ethan, was a 
native of Coventry, Connecticut, and resided 
in Litchfield, where Ethan was born, in the 
year 1739. The family consisted of eight 
children : Ethan, Heman, Lydia, Heber, Le- 
vi, Lucy, Zimri, and Ira. Ethan was twice 
married : His first wife died at Sunderland, 
Vt. ; and his second (the wife of Dr. Penni- 
man, of Colchester,) is still hving. Joseph Al- 
len, was a sober, industrious farmer, in mod- 
erate circumstances, and of good character. 
Of his peculiarities, little or nothing is known 
at the present time. And, in fact, but few inci- 
dents, connected with the early life of Ethan, 
are extant. We are apprised, however, that 
his education, like that of a great majority of 
the people of that period, w^as quite limited 
— owing to the fact, that very few schools 
were then in operation. The necessity, 
therefore, of a thorough education, w^as but 
little understood by the primitive settlers of 
the country, v^ho gave more attention to the 
common labors of life, than to the spread of 
scientific information. Notwithstanding thes6 
difficulties, however, a vast fund of useful 



12 MEMOIR OP 

Jinowledge was treasured up by many indi- 
viduals ; and by none was the subject more 
devotedly attended to, than by young Allen. 
Ambitious to prove himself worthy of notice, 
and of that attention which superior intellect 
ever commands, he diligently explored every 
path leading to important points, and min- 
utely criticised every subject which came be- 
neath his notice, A warm attachment to lib^ 
erty, and to the natural rights of mankind, 
was a prominent characteristic of his youth ; 
and, when arrived to the age of manhood, he 
no longer forbore to express himself freely 
and boldly in relation to the oppressive policy 
of Great Britain towards the people of the 
American Colooies. '** Ever since i arrived 
to a state of mariliood,^' he observes in the 
Narrative of his Captivity, ''' and acquainted 
myself with the general history of mankind, I 
have felt a sincere passion for liberty. The 
history of nations, doomed to perpetual slave- 
ry, in consequence of yielding up to tyrants 
their natoral-born liberties,! read with a sort 
of philosophical horror.'^ To such senti- 
ments as the foregoing, is to be attributed 
the zeal v/ith v/hich he sought, on every occa- 
sion, to instil, into the minds of his associates, 
an aversion for the political power by wdiich 
the Colonies were controlled, and the people 
held in thraldom. Convinced that man was 
designed, by nature, to be the umpire of his 
own actions, and that he was fitted to act for 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 13 

himself in matters connected with the meas- 
ures of the country in which he hved, he en- 
tertained, as he uniquely observes, a " philo- 
sophical horror" of every species of tyranny 
and oppression. It is not singular, therefore, 
that the friends of the American Revolution 
found, in him, an efficient leader, ready for 
any emergency and any danger ; and that, 
wherever any evils existed, weighing upon 
the interests of the community in which he 
lived, he was ever the first to apply the lan- 
guage of persuasion, or the rod of correction. 
We hear httle of Col. Allen, until vv^e find 
him a resident in the New^-Hampshire Grants 
— now the State of Vermont. At the period 
of his removal to this State, a controversy 
was pending between the settJers, and the 
authority of New- York, in relation to the va- 
lidity of the original titles of their lands, and 
other matters connected with their rights and 

o 

property. The first settlements w^ere made 
under grants from the Provincial Govern- 
ment of Massachusetts ; but, by a recommen- 
dation of King George II., in thn vear 1740, 
the territory was placed under the jurisdic- 
tion of New-Hampshire. A correspondence, 
however, was opened between the Governors 
of New-Hampshire and New- York, in which 
the latter claimed exclusive jurisdiction over 
the territory. Notwithstanding this claim, 
the former proceeded to make further grants ; 
and, by advice of his Council, in the year 1760, 
2 



14 MEMOIR ,QP 

ordered a siirve}^ of Cojinectfcut River for 
sixty miles. The applioations for lands be- 
ing numerous, pther sury^eys rapidly followed ; 
and during the year 1763, about sixty town- 
ships were granted. In return for these granitg, 
the Governor was liberally paid by the set- 
tlers, receiving, besides the fees allowed by 
law, a roservation of five hundred acres, in 
each township, for. himself. This state of 
affairs excited the jealousies of the govern^ 
mentof New-York— who determined, if pos.- 
sible, to check the operations of the Govern- 
or of New-Hampshire. In view of this re- 
sult, the Lieutenant-Governor of New-York, 
issued a proclamation, in which he referred 
to the grants made by Charles II. to the Duke 
of York, in 1664, which embi'aced '' all the 
lands from the West side of Connecticut 
River, on the East side of Delaware Bay." 
Relying upon this title, to the territory, hjs 
ordered the Sheriff of Albany to return the 
names of every person occupying laiids on 
the West side of Connecticut River, under 
the New-Hampshire titles. In answer to this 
Proclamation, the Governor of New-Hamp- 
shire issued a counter one, in which the grant 
to the Duke of York was declared obsolete. 
The settlers were exhorted to be diligent and 
industrious ; and not to fear the threats of 
the New-York authority. In this state of 
things, application v/a^ made, by New-York, 
directly to the pro wn, for a epnfirmation of 



CJbL. ETHAN ALLEN. 15 

her claims f and^= in consequence of this ap- 
plication, the King ordered that the " West- 
ern bank of the Connecticut River, from 
where it enters the Province of Massachu- 
setts Bay, as far North as the 45th degree of 
North latitude, be the boundary line between 
the said provinces of New-Hampshire and 
Vermont."'^'' This decision surprised a:id dis- 
concerted the settlers on the grants, yet it 
produced no serious alarm. It was merely 
regarded as extending the jurisdiction of 
New- York over the territory, without affect- 
ing, in any manner, their title to the lands 
Upon which they had settled— having paid 
for them, and obtained deeds of the same 
under the Crown. The Governor of New- 
Hampshire, at first, remonstrated against 
the decision of the Kingv in relation to ex- 
tending the jurisdiction of New-York : but 
finally submitted to the change, and issued a 
Proclamation to that effect. 

The government of New- York, immedi- 
ately after the decision of the Crown, pro- 
ceeded to extend its jurisdiction over the 
New-Hampshire Grants : dividing the terri- 
tory into four Counties, and establishing 
Courts of Justice in each.* The settlers 
were imperatively commanded to surrender 
their charters and re-purchase their lands 
under grants from New- York. A few com- 

* Allen's History of Vermont, 



16 MEMOIR OF 

plied with this order ; but a large majority 
peremptorily refused. The lands of those 
who non-complied, were granted to others ; 
in whose names, writs of ejectment were is- 
sued, and judgments obtained in the New- 
York Courts. A determined resistance was 
made, by the settlers, against these unjust 
and arbitrary measures : and, for the pur- 
pose of rendering this resistance more ef- 
fectual, a number of associations of the peo- 
ple were formed, and a Convention finally 
called, composed of Representatives from 
the different towns on the West side of the 
Mountain. After much deliberation, the 
Convention appointed Samuel Robinson, an 
Agent, to represent to the King, the griev- 
ances suffered by the settlers, and to obtain 
a confirm.ation of the New-Hampshire 
grants.*' The report of the Agent was fa- 
vorably received by the King : " His Majesty 
was pleased, with the advice of his Private 
Council, to approve thereof, and doth hereby 
strictly charge, require and command, that 
the Governor or Commander-in-Chief, of his 
Majesty's Province of New-York, for the time 
being, do not, upon his Majesty's highest dis- 
pleasure, presume to make any grant, what- 
soever, of any part of the lands described in 
the said report, until his Majesty's further 
pleasure shall be known, concerning the 

* Williams' History. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEX. 17 

same." This explicit prohibition of the King, 
however, was of httle or no avail : The gov- 
ernment of New-York continued to make 
grants, and writs of ejectment were issued as 
formerly. Thus compelled to resort to more 
effective Measures than mere argument, the 
people assembled in Convention, at Benning- 
ton, and '' Resolved to support their rights 
and property under the New-Hampshire 
grants, against the usurpation and unjust 
claims of the Governor and Council of New- 
York, BY FORCE, as lav/ and justice were de- 
nied them."* 

The adoption of this resolution v/as fol- 
lowed by a resolute and spirited resistance to 
the Civil Officers of New- York : Many of 
them were seized by the people, and severe- 
ly chastised with '' twigs of the wilderness P — 
'•^ A military association Vv^as, also, formed, 
of which Ethax Allen was appointed Colo- 
nel Commandant, and Seth Warner, Re- 
member Baker, Robert Cochran, GmEON 
Warner, and others, appointed Captains. — 
Committees of safety were, likewise, appoint- 
ed in several towns West of the Green 
Mountains.t 

On the other side of the questiori,the an- 
thorities of New-York directed the Sheriff of 
Albany to raise the posse comitatus^ to assist 
ia the execution of his office ; and a " Proo 

♦Allen's History, t Allen's Hiatory. 

2* 



18 MEMOIR OF 

lation was issued, by the Governor of New- 
York, ofiering a reward of one hundred and 
fifty pounds for the apprehension of Ethan 
Allen, and fifty pounds each, for the appre- 
hension of Seth Warner, and five others.— 
Allen, and the other proscribed persons, in 
their turn, issued a Proclamation, ofiering 
five pounds for apprehending, and dehvering 
to anyoflicerof the Green iMountain Boys, 
the Attorney General of the Colony of New- 
York;^*= 

At this crisis of the controversy, the Gov- 
ernor of New-York addressed a communica- 
tion to '' the Rev. Mr. Dewey, and the inhab- 
itants of Bennington, and the adjacent coun- 
try, on the East side of Hudson's River,^' in 
which he unequivocally pointed out what he 
termed the '' illegal acts" committed by the 
settlers against the authority of New-York. 
He, also, extended an invitation to Mr. Dew- 
ey to lay before the government the causes of 
the proceedings. '' That there may be no 
obstruction," observes the Governor, " to 
your laying before me, in Council, as soon as 
possible, a fair representation of your con- 
duct, I do hereby engage full security and 
protection to any persons whom you shall 
choose to send on this business, to New- York, 
from the time they leave their homes to thjs 
time of their return, except Robert Cochran, 

• Allen's History. 



COL. ETHAN ALLE^. 19 

as also Allen, Baker and Sevil, mentioned 
in my Proclamation of the 9th of December 
last, and Seth Warner, whose audacious be- 
haviour to a Civil Magistrate, has subjected 
him to the penalties of the laws of his coun- 
try." To this communication, a firm and res- 
pectful answer was returned, detailing the op- 
pressions under which the settlers suffered, 
and beseeching his Excellency to be friendly 
disposed towards them, and lend his assist- 
ance to quiet them in their possessions, until 
his Majesty, in his royal wisdom, should b^ 
graciously pleased to settle the controversy. 
And, in addition to this, the following special 
communication was made to the Governor, 
at the same time : 

" Bennington, June 5th, J 772, 
To His Excelhicy^ Willl\m Tryon, Esq, S>cc. 
May it please your Excellency^ — We, his Ma- 
jesty's loyal subjects, whose names are to 
this piece affixed, inhabitants on that tract 
of land, your Excellency describes by the 
name of Bennington^ and the adjacent coun- 
try, &c. and who was, by your Excellency's 
letter of the 1 9th of May last, prohibited the 
privilege of going to JVew-York^ and person- 
ally vindicate either ourselves or country, be- 
fore your Excellency, and being put to the 
extremity of informing your Excellency by 
writing, the reason of our discontent, and ai- 
80 of our behaviour, which we shall mora 



2^ MEMOIR OF 

laTgely set forth, than is in the foregoing gen- 
eral answer to your Excellency's letter ; and 
also exhibit more arguments deduced from 
reason and the nature of things ; we hope 
your Excellency will be graciously pleased to 
view this our defence with that tenderne^ 
and candor, a gentleman in so elevated a sta- 
tion should do, and, therefore, beg leave to 
observe, that, as, on the one hand, no consid- 
eration whatever, shall induce us to remit, 
in the least, of our loyalty and gratitude to 
our most gracious Sovereign, nor of a rea- 
sonable submission to your Excellency ; so 
on the other hand, no tyrannical exertions of 
tlie powers of the government, can deter us 
from asserting and vindicating our undoubt- 
ed rights and privileges as Enghshmen. We 
expected an answer from your Excellency, to 
our humble petition to you dehvered, soon 
after your Excellency's accession to the ad- 
ministration of the government ; but for rea- 
sons to us unknown, your Excellency passed 
it by in silence. However, we cheerfully em- 
brace this opportunity of laying before your 
Excellency in Council, the true state of our 
controversy, which, we can no otherwise do^ 
but by absorbing our personal distinction into 
the community, and general cause, to which 
we have obtained the character of faithful. 
We assure your Excellency that we assent to 
your authority of jurisdiction, in as much as 
his Majesty's Proclamation assures us, it ia 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN^ 21 

his will and pleasure, we be under the juris- 
diction of JS'ew' York ; and not only now as- 
sent to it, but have ever done the same, ex- 
cept in instances where such perverse use 
has been made thereof, as would dispossess 
us of our property and country. We are tru- 
ly desirous, and petitioning his Majesty to re- 
annex us to the Province of JVew-Hampshire, 
But this is not the ground of our discontent, 
or at least, is far from being the principal 
ground of it, though it was d.one ex parte ^ and 
we apprehend there were more or less wrong 
representations made to his Majesty, to ob- 
tain the jurisdiction. However, it is the un- 
reasonable and unconstitutional exercise of 
it, that is the present bone of contention — 
our properties are all at stake ; this we con- 
tend for, as the foUowing known facts will 
demonstrate. A certain number of designing 
men in JYew-York (and elsewhere) procured 
patents under the great seal of that Province, 
and those grantees, being non-residents, 
brought writs of ejectment againt the JVei^- 
Hampshire settlers on the same land, covered 
by both patents, as aforesaid, and obtained 
judgment against them, and proceeded fur- 
ther and took out writs of possession, and 
actually dispossessed several of them by or- 
der of Law, of their houses and farms, leav- 
ing them to suffer the inclemency of the 
weather, bereaved of all the necessaries of 
life, their new masters having monopolized 



22 MEMOIR or 

their eartMy all, to themselves, 'these in- 
digent families havirig,, in the fir^t place, ex- 
pended their several fortunes, in bringing 
their farms out of a wilderness state, into that 
of fruitful fields, gardens and orchards ; the 
whole country, consisting of more than fif- 
teen hundred families, was greatly alarmed 
at the event which had already began to take 
place, and in the greatest consternation ; 
each individual^ from these instances, reading 
their own intolerable and universal destruc- 
tion. — Still the writs of ejectment came thick- 
er and faster, and universal slavery, poverty 
and horror, emblematically appeared in every 
countenance. 

Thus, things having come to this pass, the 
oppression was too great for human nature, 
under English Constitution, to grope under, 
for those unparalleled instances strtick an 
infinitely more terrible idea, than that of the 
exertion of the Powers of Government. 

Laws and society compacts were made to 
protect and secure the subjects, in their 
peaceable possessions and properties, and 
not to subvert them. No person or commu- 
nity of persons can be supposed to be under 
any particular compact or Law, except it 
pre-supposeth, that that Law will protect 
such person or community of persons in his 
or their properties ; for otherwise, the sub- 
ject would, by Law, be bound to be accesso- 
ry to his own ruin and destruction, which is 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 23 

incoHsisteet with the Law of self preserva- 
tion ; but this Law being natural as well as 
eternal, ,can never be abrogated by the Law 
of men. 

We would acquaint your Excellency, that 
since our misfortune ,of being annexed to the 
Province o^ JYeiv-York^ Law has been rather 
used as a tool (than ft rule of equity) to cheat 
us out of the country, we have made vastly 
valuable by labour and expense of our for- 
tunes. We conclude, these things are yet 
unknown.; or in a great measure so, to your 
Excellency, as your Excellency's commence- 
ment of the administration, hath not been 
long, and a set of artful, wicked men, con- 
ceahng the truth from your Excellency, pur- 
posing to make a booty of us, characterizing 
us, (speaking of our inhabitants in general) as 
so niany rioters, if not rebels ; and we being 
a poor people, at a great distance from your 
Excellency's place of residence, fatigued in 
settling a v*^ildern.ess country, have little or no 
opportunity of acquainting your Excellency 
of our grievances, except by one short peti- 
tion delivered to your Excellency, soon after 
your first taking the administration — and as 
o^r cause is represented before his Majesty 
and Council, we did not expect your Excel- 
lency to determine the controversy, nor do 
we yet expect it. We are sensible, those 
men that seek our ruin, thereby, to enrich 
themselves, do, by stratagems of every kind, 



2$ i^EMom OP 

represent us to your Excellency as breakers 
of the peace, and enemies to the government; 
and under this pretence, they hope to catch 
a number of the boldest of our inhabitants, 
and punish them in the JYcw-York Inquisition, 
with that severity that the residue may be 
frightened out of both liberty and property ; 
for otherwise, they would soon be indicted 
rioters, and thus, under colour of punishing 
rioters, and a zeal of loyalty and veneration 
for good government, rob the inhabitants of 
their country. If we do not oppose the She- 
riff and his Posse, he takes immediate pos- 
session of our houses and farms ; if we do, we 
are immediately indicted rioters ; and when 
others oppose officers, in taking such, their 
friends, so indicted, they are also indicted, 
and so on, there being no end of indictment 
against us, so long as we act the bold and 
manly part, and stand by our liberty. 

This is a short sketch of the disingenuous 
cunning of Messieurs Duane and Kemp^ and 
their associates ; and it comes to this, at 
last, that we must tamely be dispossessed, or 
oppose officers in taking possession ; and as 
a next necessary step, oppose taking of riot- 
ers, so called, or run aWay like so many cow- 
ards, and quit our country to a number of 
cringing, polite gentlemen, who have, ideally, 
possessed themselves of it already. 

As to sundry men, who have eloped lately 
from our grants, and fle(i to JS'ew- York for 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 25 

protection, self preservation necessitated us 
to treat some of them roughly ; and others, 
viz : Ebenezer Cowl^ and Jonathan Wheat, of 
Shoftsbury, fled to Kew-York, on account of 
their own guilt, not being hurt or threatened. 
Would time permit, we could give a rational 
account for most, or all of our late conduct 
towards these men. The general reason is 
this, namely, they were a set of men that 
loved themselves, and not their country ; they 
busied themselves in planning and assisting 
to take rioters, so called. In fine, they were 
the emissaries of that mercenary core of 
Yorkers, and did more, in oppressing the 
people, than their preposterous benefactors. 
The assault, made upon Mr. Baker, at day 
break, of the night of the 22d of March last, 
by a number of ruffians, under the command 
of the infamous John Munro, Esq. was a no- 
torious riot, and gave energy and motion, to 
the subsequent acts, your Excellency denom- 
inates illegal. This Miinro, and his bloody 
party, by cutting, w^ounding and maiming, 
Mr. Baker, his wife and children, in such an 
inhuman and savage manner, was no less 
than proclaiming himself, in a public manner, 
to be a malicious and bloody enemy, not on- 
ly to Mr. Baker, but also to all those men, on 
our grants, who, manfully, adhere to main- 
taining liberty and property ; and inasmuch 
as the murderous villain is alive, he has no 
cause of complaint — for, after his assault up- 



MEMOIR OF 



on Mr. Baksr, he made another assault upr 
on Mr. Seih Warner; but not having sq 
strong a party of ruffians with him, as in his 
other expedition, it was not attended with 

ths hke consequences, for Mr. Warner struck 
his head with a dull cutlass, and leyelied him 
to the ground ; but the blow proved not 
mortal ; and after this, for his satisfaction 
for the wound, threatened the lives of anumr 
ber of the Jiew Hampshire settlers. — Your 
Excellency will, undoubtedly, consider, as 
our opponents have had the manufactory of 
the civil laws, so much under their power, 
that this mejciless man could not be brought 
to jiistic4, nor could others among us, be 
safe any other way., but by using him in his 
own play ; lie set the example and enraged 
thepeople to mimick him from that natural 
principle in every m.an's own breast. 

As to the perfidious and treacherous Bliss 
WilioghMj, he always pretended to be a friend 
of the said B.aker^s^ and Baker hud ever been 
triily u friend of his— this hypocrite, tw^o 
days before Baker was taken, made a frivo- 
lous excuse of business, went to said Ba- 
ker^s house, vrewed the strength of it, perceiv- 
ed Baker w:,as somev/liat careless and secure, 
and made report to the said Munro. in fine, 
Willoghby was the planner and instigator of 
that savage cruelty, exercised to ^nidi Baker^ 
Vv^hich was perpetrated and brought into ac- 
tion by the detestable said Munro. But tq 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN* 



2t 



desist : as to the history of our late transac- 
tions, whether they be all right or not, we, 
on our part, have a few arguments and con- 
siderations more to lay before your Excel- 
lency, as to the cause of our discontent, as 
well as to the cause of our late actions your 
Excellency denominates illegal. 

The alteration of jurisdiction, m 17'64, 
could not effect private property. Surely 
his Majesty by this alteration, did not pm- 
pose to take awat the personal property of 
a large number of his loyal subjects, and 
transfer it to other subjects ; the Enghsh 
Constitutions will, by no means, admit of 
this, for the transferring or alienation of 
property is a sabered prerogative of the true 
owner. — Kings and Governors cannot inter- 
meddle therewith. Furthermore, your Ex- 
cellency and Council must needs be ac- 
quainted that we have a petition lying be- 
fore his Majesty and Council, for redress of 
grievances. That is an impartial board ; 
pray why may it not be determined here ? 
For the very identical matters in dispute^ 
are now, and for several years past have been 
lying before that Court, except the accusa- 
tions of riotousness, disorderly, &:c. which is 
improved as a handle to subvert property, 
and that only. 

Furthermore in the time of Sir Henry 
Moor's administration, his Majesty was pleas- 
ed to lay the government of JYew-York, un- 



28 



MEMOIR OF 



der absolute prohibition not to grant or pa- 
tent any of the lands antecedently granted 
under the great seal of the province of JVew;- 
Hampshire ; and furthermore forbid the gov- 
ernment to disturb or molest the settlers. — 
This rightly understood, amounts to a su- 
percedeas over the authority of common 
Law, and absolutely controuls the cognizance 
thereof. As to the particular matters in 
the prohibition set forth, or matters lying 
before his Majesty by petition, the import 
of the prohibition must needs be thus, name- 
ly : that his Majesty by it informs the gov- 
ernment of A'^eiU'York^ that he has taken 
the controversy, to him made known by pe- 
tition, under his royal consideration, and 
that, after due information and evidence of 
the state of the case, determines to settle 
the controversy; consequently forbids the 
government taking cognizance thereof; and 
common sense teaches us that under such 
prohibition, if a judgment at common law 
be supposed to be vahd, it would invalidate 
the authority of the crown, and subvert and 
overthrow the authority of the kingdom, as 
it would render the prohibitions of the crown 
perfectly impertinent. Therefore, common 
law in the case before us, is not clothed 
with cognizance of this case, much less 
with authority to dispossess us ; consequent- 
ly, every party of men, that have, w^ith of- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 29 

fi eel's, or otherwise, come into these parts to 
dispossess us, came in open defiance, and 
direct opposition to his Majesty's orders 
and authority ; and though they style us 
rioters, for opposing them, and seek to 
catch and punish us as such ; yet, in re- 
ahty, themselves are the rioters, the tumult- 
uous, disorderly, stimulating faction, or, in 
fine, the land-robbers; and every violent 
act they have done to compass their de- 
signs, though ever so much under pre- 
tence of law, is, in reality, a violation of 
law, and an insult on the constitution, and 
authority of the crown, as well as to many of 
us, in person, who have been great sufferers 
by such inhuman exertions of pretended le- 
gahty of law. — Right and wrong are eternal- 
ly the same, to all periods of time, places 
and nations; and colouring a crime with a 
specious pretence of law, only adds to the 
criminality of it ; for, it subverts the very de- 
sign of law, prostituting it to the vilest pur- 
poses. Can any man in the exercise of rea- 
son^ make himself believe that a number of 
Attorneys and other gentlemen, with all their 
tackle of ornaments, and comphments, and 
French finesse, together with their boasted 
legality of law ; that these gentlemen have 
just right to the lands, labours and fortunes 
of the New-Hampshire settlers } Certainly 
they cannot. Yet, this is the object in view, 
by this mercenary fraternity. 
3* 



30 MEMOIR OF 

We do not suppose, may it please your Ex- 
cellency, we are making opposition to a gov- 
ernment, as such ,• it is nothing more than a 
party, chiefly carried on by a number of gen- 
tlemen attorneys, (if it be not an abuse to 
gentlemen of merit to call them so,) who 
manifest a surprising and enterprising thirst 
of avarice, after our country : but, for a col- 
lection of such intriguers, to plan matters of 
influence of a party, so as eventually to be- 
come judges in their own case, and, thereby, 
cheat us out of our country, appears to us 
so audaciously unreasonable and tyrannical, 
that we view it with the utmost detestation 
and indignation, and our breasts glow with a 
martial fury to defend our persons and for- 
tunes from the ravages of t'lose that would 
destroy us ; but not against your Excellency'* 
person or government. 

We are fully persuaded, your Excellency's 
ears have been much abused by subtle and 
designing men; for, we are informed, from 
credible authority, your Excellency has, late- 
ly, made apphcation to your Assembly, to 
raise an armed force to subdue us, but that 
the motion was negatived. We apprehend 
your Excellency views us as opposing your 
Excellency's jurisdiction, and that the violent 
acts, by us done, was in rebellion to his Ma- 
jesty's authority, or your Excellency had nev- 
er proposed the subduing of us ; we are mor- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 31 

ally certain, we can convince your Excellen- 
cy, that it is not so ; but that on the other 
hand. Messieurs Duane^ Kemp^ and their as- 
sociates, are the aggressors. 

We have chosen two men from among us, 
viz : Capt. Stephen Fay^ and Mr. Jonas Fay^ 
to treat with your Excellency, in person ; who, 
we hope, will answer such queries, and give 
your Excellency the satisfaction you hope for. 

We view your Excellency as our Governor 
and political father, and hope, and expect, 
from the sincerity and candor of your Ex- 
cellency's letter, you will be friendly and fav- 
ourably disposed towards us, when your Ex- 
cellency,by these hnes,perceives the grounds 
of our discontent ; for, we are conscious that 
our cause is good, and that it was oppression 
which has been the ground of our discon- 
tent, and that self preservation hath, hither- 
to, urged us to the measure lately taken. — 
And we now earnestly intreat your Excellen- 
cy's aid and assistance to quiet us in our pos- 
sessions and properties, till his Majesty, in 
his royal wisdom, settle the controversy. If 
your Excellency should do this, there would 
be an end to riots, so called, and our tongues 
unable to express our gratitude to your Ex- 
cellency for such protection. 

Therefore, relying on your Excellency's 
great wisdom and goodness, as members of 
your Government, his Majesty's loyal and 



32 MEMOIR OP 

liege subjects, we subscribe ourselves your 
Excellency's ever faithful and humble ser- 
vants, ETHAN ALLEN, 
SETH WARNER, 
REMEMBER BAKER, 
ROBERT COCHRAN. 
Upon the receipt of the foregoing commu- 
nications, Governor Tryon immediately laid 
them before his Council, who advised that 
his Excellency should afford the inhabitants 
of those townships all the relief in his pow- 
er, by suspending, until the pleasure of the 
King should be known, all prosecutions in 
behalf of the crown, on account of the crimes 
alleged against them ; and recommend to the 
owners of the contested lands, under grants 
from the Province of New-York, to stay all 
civil suits, in relation to the lands, during the 
same period. This advice met the approba- 
tion of the Governor, who communicated it 
to the inhabitants of Bennington and the vi- 
cinity. 

During the pendency of this negociation, 
the Green Mountain Boys, urged on by the 
numerous wrongs under vv^hich they suffered 
by the pobcy of New-York, proceeded to dis- 
possess a number of settlers on Otter Creek, 
who held their lands under titles from New- 
York. This aggression led Gov. Tryon to 
address a letter to the inhabitants of Ben- 
nington and the country adjacent, in which 
he expressed his " high displeasure at the 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN* 33 

breach of faith and honor" of a portion of 
the inhabitants, in dispossessing the settlers 
on Otter Creek and its neighborhood, of their 
possessions : and required the assistance of 
the people '^ in putting, forthwith, those fam- 
ihes, who have been thus dispossessed, into 
re-possession of their lands and tenements." 
To this letter, the following was address- 
ed to the Governor in reply : 

" Bennington, Aug. 25, 1772. 
To His Excellency^ William Tkyon, Esq. &•<?. 
May it please your Excellency^ — We, his Ma- 
jesty's hege and loyal subjects, inhabitants of 
Bennington^ and the adjacent country, have 
received your Excellency's letter, of the 11th 
of August inst. by which, we are informed of 
your Excellency's high displeasure towards 
us, by reason of a body of our people's dis- 
possessing several settlers on Otter Crc<?y^,and 
its neighbourhood, of their possessions, du- 
ring the very time our Messengers attended 
on your Excellency, ^i Nciv-York., and were 
waiting the determination of government, on 
our petition, that we might remain unmolest- 
ed in our possessions, till the King's pleasure 
could be obtained. Your Excellency further 
informs us, that you look on our late pro- 
ceedings with great concern, viewing them 
as daring insults to government, a violation 
of public faith, and the conditions granted ta 
our petition. We would, with proper sub- 



34 MEMOIR OF 

mission, give your Excellency and Council, £ 
short narrative of facts, with a few reflections 
and reasons thereon. — And, 

First, we would observe, that our Mes* 
sengers your Excellency styles Commission- 
ers, were not authorized to estabhsh, and 
complete articles of public faith for their con- 
stituents. The business assigned them, was 
to deliver the written petition, and inform^ 
your Excellency and Council of the facts of 
the controversy subsisting, and further nego- 
ciate and forward the matter of our petition, 
and return to us the determination of gov- 
ernment, reserving to ourselves the power of 
assenting to, or dissenting therefrom; though 
true it is, when the articles of amicable set- 
tlement, or order of government was read at 
a public meeting held at Bennington, on the 
15th day of July ult. the said order and pro- 
posals were universally complied with by 
those present : from which time, we, reason- 
ably, compute the date of public faith, and 
sacred bond of friendship. But in the inte- 
rim the conditions of faith were forming, and 
before a ratification thereof, Mr. Kockburn, a 
noted surveyor, unknown, (as we suppose,) 
to your Excellency and Council, by the con- 
trivance, aid and employ of certain monopo- 
lizing adversaries of our's, took a tour to the 
northerly parts of the JYew Hampshire grants, 
to survey, and make locations on our land. 
Such locating we view as a manifest plan^ 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN 3^5 

and iatentioii of invading our property— the 
same as intrenching round a city, portends a 
siege thereof. 

Our people, haying notice of Mr. Kock- 
buni's intrusion on our borders, ralhed a small 
party, and pursued, and overtook him and 
his party; and in their pursuit, passed the 
towns of Panton and JVew Haven, near the 
mouth of Olter Creek ; dispossessed Col. 
Reed of a saw mill, in said Pardon^ which, by 
force, and without colour, or even pretence 
of recourse to law, he had taken from the 
original owners and builders, more than 
three years before, and did, at that same time 
extend his force, terrors and threats into the 
town of New Haven ; who, by the vicious 
and haughty aid of Mr. Benzdl, ,the famed 
Engineer, with a number of assistants under 
their command, so terrified the inhabitants, 
(which were about twelve in number,) that 
they left their possessions and farms to the 
conquerors, and escaped with the skin of 
their teeth, although they had expended large 
sums of money in cutting roads to, and set- 
tling in, that new country, as v\'ell as fatigued 
and laboured hard in cultivating their farms. 
Col. Reed, at the same time, and with the 
same force, did take possession of one hun- 
dred and thirty saw logs, and fourteen thou- 
sand feet of pine boards, v/hich boards were 
made in the same mill, and all lying thereby; 
:all which he converted to his own use. Not 



a>6 MEMOIR OF 

long after, the original proprietors of the said 
saw mill did re-enter, and take possession 
thereof, but was, a second time, attacked by 
Col. Rcecfs steward, with a number of armed 
men, under his (supposed) instructions, and 
by their superior force and threats, obhged 
to quit the premises again — all which tene- 
ments, said Reed occupied and enjoyed until 
dispossessed, as your Excellency's letter 
complains of. 

But to return to Kochhurn again, Our par- 
ty, having taken him as aforesaid, brought 
him to the town of Castleton^ near South Bmj, 
where, being first informed of your Excelleur- 
cy's clemency, as well as that of the honora- 
ble Council, in granting the prayer of our pe- 
tition ; and in conformity to the articles of 
settlement agreed on, dismissed him on hon- 
orable terms. 

This is a short narrative of facts, for the 
proof of which, sufficient affidavits can be 
educed. 

We are apprehensive, your Excellency has 
been, hitherto, unacquainted with these facts, 
and have, therefore, exhibited them in this 
letter ; although it appears strange to us, ac- 
cording as your Excellency's own letter states 
the matter, that we should be suspected or 
taxed with violation of public faith, and that 
our disingenuous and dishonourable viola- 
tion thereof, hath nullified and made void the 
late amicable settlement ; for, at the same 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 37 

time your Excellency charges us with breach 
of faith and settlement, the very prelimina- 
ries of this faith were not known on our part, 
and consequently could not have been com- 
pHed with ; the very stipulations and faith 
spoken of did not then exist ; for it must be 
the meeting of the minds of the contract- 
ing parties, which constitutes such faith 
and agreement, and of course cannot be 
broken before its existence. 

Mr. Kockburn's locating our lands, in the 
mean time the preliminaries of public faith 
were forming, was, at least as much a breach 
of that faith, as what we are charged with. 
Nay, according to our conception of the 
matter, more so ; as he made the first move- 
ment towards the invasion of our property. 

Soon after our messengers returned from 
New York, and read the Minutes of Council 
and your Excellency's letter ofcomphance 
therewith, to a large auditory, convened at 
Bennington for that purpose, composed of 
the inhabitants of that place, the adjacent 
country, and sundry respectable gentlemen 
from the neighboring Provinces ; your Ex- 
cellency's gracious, wise, and benevolent 
proposals for settling unity and concord in 
our part of the Province, were, by those 
present, unanimously applauded, and conce- 
ded to ; and all possible pubhc testimonies 
of honor and respect, paid to your Excellen- 
4 



38 -MEMOIR OF 

cy and Council, by sundry disdiarges of caij- 
non and small arms; your Excellency-s 
health, long life and prosperity, as well' as 
that of the honorable Council's, was the 
toast ; your name comjnanded reference 
and esteem, and your Excellency's p<3rso;i 
in particular, became precious in our eyes. 

And we do humbly assure your Excellen- 
cy we have no disposition of alienation of 
affections towards you, or knowingly breai; 
any article of public faith. 

Th^re are two propositions which are the 
objects of our attention. 

Firstly ; The protection and maintaining 
our property. 

And secondly ; -to us€ the greatest care 
and prudence, not to break the article of 
public faith, or insult governmental aui:hority. 

These two propositions, we mean strictly 
and religiously to adhere to. And for the 
more explicit knowledge of the preliminaries 
^nd conditions of public faith and trust, we 
would inform your Excellency and Council, 
that our acceptation of those coiiditions on 
the part o^ JKeiv- York^ is, that they make no 
further settlements or locations onow lands, 
granted uxider tii^e great seal of the Province 
of JS^ew Hampshire^ until his Majesty's pleas^ 
ure be obtained, as to the validity of the 
grants. Although this ,>vas not so fully ex- 
pr^e4» J(et,w.e .:s«ppQ^ it was implied in tlie 



COLi ETtfAN itLEN. ^9 

abstract of the Mimites of Conhcil ;• if it 
was not, we pray ) our Excellency and Coun- 
cil would undeceive us in that particular ; for 
if we are deceived ill this, then on this hy- 
pothesis, your Excellency a^d Council's leni- 
ent and friendly disposition towards us will 
not for the future, (by us) bt) viewed as such ; 
for such location and settlements on our 
lands, would be incompatibie with friendship, 
and a manifest infringement upon our prop- 
perty, which has all along been the bone of 
contentiorv. 

The last part of your Excellency's letter 
to us, contains a requirement of our immedi- 
ate assistance in repossessing Col Reed^s 
tenants of said tenements,- As to this par- 
ticular, had your Excellency have known by 
what means Col.- Reed obtained possession 
of them- lands and tenements,' undoubtedly 
your Excellency would not have required our 
assistance in repossessing him; or have 
viewed with concern our dispossessing him, 
as a daring insult to government : for the 
case rightly understood, it appears that his 
conduct was a darin^ insult to Government, 
and continued violation of more than three 
years, of the laws, restrictions, regulations, 
and economy, both of God and man ; a no- 
torious breach of the tenth commandment 
of the decalogue, which says, ''Thou shall not 
covet^^^ (St. He, coveting, did take the saw- 



40 MEMOIR OF 

mill, logs, boards, and also the lands, labors, 
possessions, farms, tenements, &;c. &c., from 
the rightful owners, proprietors, and first oc- 
cupants thereof, without a process at law, as 
aforesaid, to their exclusion from the prem- 
ises more than three years ; all which time 
he hasbeenenrichinghimself by the improve- 
ments of their estates ; and should we re- 
possess him of the premises again, we should 
become co-partners with him, in his wicked- 
ness. Such an act we could not reconcile to 
our own consciences ; it being apparently 
immoral, and most flagrantly cruel and un- 
just. 

When your Excellency and Council views 
these facts and arguments, we humbly con- 
ceive we shah not be required to repossess 
Col. Reed of the premises : nor do we ex- 
pect your Excellency and Council will ad- 
judge us to be violators of the late articles 
of public faith : all which, with due submis- 
sion, we refer to your Excellency and Coun- 
cil. 

'^' And we do now, with due reverence, ask 
the favor of a few lines, which may certify 
to us, the determination of government, rel- 
ative to the particulars litigated in this pa- 
per*; and remain your ever faithful and 
most obedient humble servants. 

^ No answer to this communication is extant. The 
negotiation, probably, terniiinated here. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 41 

• At a general meeting, held at Manchester, 
on the 27th day of August, 1772, by the 
Committee of the towns of Bennington, Sun- 
derland, Manchester, Dorset, Rupert, Paw- 
let, Wells, Poultney, Castleton, Pittsford and 
Rutland ; the foregoing answer to his Excel- 
lency's letter of the 1 1th inst., was read to 
the said committees, and the vote was called 
by Mr. Nathan Clark, Chairman, whether 
the said answer be approved of by the said 
Committees ? and it was voted in the affirm- 
ative. Test, ETHAN ALLEN, 

Clerk of said Commifiees.'''' 
The settlers, on the New-Hampshire 
Grants, were a brave, zealous and hardy bo- 
dy of men ; and the numerous wrongs, to 
which they had been subjected by the New- 
York authorities, had led them to a iirm re* 
sistancc in defence of their rights. In view 
of the British act of prohibition, heretofore 
referred to, the government of New York 
had proceeded to convey lands occupied un- 
der grants from royal authority ; and the 
Albany courts had uniformly decided in fa- 
vor of the grantees of New-York. Writs of 
possession having been issued, and every 
means having been put in requisition to de- 
fraud the settlers of their just rights, they 
had no alternative left but open resistance. 
At their head stood Ethan Allen — bold, 
even to desperation, and fitted, in every re- 
ispect, for the important character he sustain- 

4* 



42 MEMOIR OF 

ed in the drama. The settlers uniformly 
confidently relied upon his skill, his zeal and 
his well known character for bravery, for the 
successful termination of their difficulties ; 
and their confidence in him was increased 
by the measures he originated and carried 
into effect. He wrote and distributed sever- 
al pamphlets, addressed more particularly, 
to the feelings of the settlers, in which the 
injustice of the New-York government was 
strongly depicted, and the proceedings of 
the Green Mountain Boys triumphantly vin- 
dicated ; "and contributed much,"" says the 
author of the Siaie Papers^ "to inform the 
minds, arouse the zeal, and unite the efforts 
of the settlers." 

The inhabitants of Rutland and Benning- 
ton counties, for the purpose of adopting such 
measures as the exigency of the times re- 
quired, formed a convention, through their 
delegates, which met only on extraordinary 
occasions. Among other measures it was 
decreed, by this body, "that no person should 
take grants, or confirmation of grants un- 
der the government of New- York." It was 
also forbidden "all the inhabitants in the 
district of the New-Hampshire Grants, to 
hold, take, or accept, any office of honor 
or profit under the Colony'of New- York, and 
all civil and military officers who had acted 
under the authority of the Governor or Le- 
gislature of New- York, were required to 



COL. ETHAN ALLEIT. 43 

suspend their functions on pain of being 

These decrees were rigidly and severely 
<3nforced ; the more common mode of pun- 
ishment being an application of the "beac/i 
*W."t to the naked back, and banishment 
from the settlements. A few instances, while 
they may serve to amuse, will, also, shew the 
spirit which actuated the settlers in punish- 
ing their enemies : A certain Doctor A. of 
Arlington, was a warnfi partizan of New-York; 
and had often spoken in disrespectful terms 
of the settlers and the decrees of their Con- 
vention. He was frequently requested to 
desist : and disregarding these requests, "be 
was carried," says Allen's History, "to the 
Green Mountain Tavern, in Bennington, 
where the Committee heard his defence, and 
then ordered him to be tied in an armed 
chair, and hoisted up to the sign, (a cata- 
mount's skin, stuffed, sitting upon the sign 
post, twenty-five feet from the ground, with 
large teeth, grinning towards New-York,) 
and there to hang two hours in sight of the 
people, as a punishment, merited by his en- 
mity to the rights and hberties of the people 
of the New-Hampshire Grants. The judg- 
ment was executed to the no small merri- 
ment of a large concourse of people. The 

* Allen's History. 

f So called in allusion to the great seal of New- 
Hampshire. 



44 MEMOIR OF 

Doctor was let down, and dismissed by tho 
Committee, with an admonition to go and 
sin no more." A certain Benjamin Hough, 
was, also, punished under one of the decrees 
of the Convention : He had accepted, and 
officiated, in the office of Justice of the 
Peace, under the authority of New York ; 
and being arrested, was brought before the 
Committee of Safety, at Sunderland. He 
offered in plea, the jurisdiction of Mew York ; 
but was answered by the decree of the con- 
yention, which forbid all persons holding any 
civil or military office, under the authority 
of New-York. The following judgment was 
pronounced against him, before a large as- 
semblage of people : ''That the prisoner be 
taken from the bar of this Committee of 
Safety, and tied to a tree ; and there on hi& 
naked back, to receive two hundred stripes : 
his back being dressed, he should depart out 
of the district; and, on return, to suffer 
death, unless by special leave of Convention." 

Notwithstanding the evidence given that 
the Green Mountain Boys would not submit 
to the terms proposed by New-Y'ork, the au- 
thority of that state did not relax in their 
exertions to render them submissive. At a 
session of the general assembly, holden 
February 5th, 1774, the following resolution* 
were adopted: 

"1. That it appears to this Committee, 
that there at present prevails in part of th« 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 45 

county of Charlotte^ and in the north-eastern 
district of the county of Albany, a danger- 
ous and destructive spirit of riot and Hcen- 
tiousness, subversive of all order and good 
government ; and that it has become an in- 
tolerable grievance, which requires immedi- 
ate redress. 

2. Resolved^ That it appears to this Com- 
mittee, that many acts of outrage, cruelty, 
and oppression have been there perpetrated 
by a number of lawless persons, calling them- 
selves the Bennington mob, who have seized, 
insulted, and terrified several magistrates 
and other civil officers, so that they dare not 
exercise their respective functions ; rescued 
prisoners for debt, assumed to themselves 
military commands, and judicial power; 
burned and demolished the houses and pro- 
perty, and beat and abused the persons of 
many of his Majesty's subjects; expelled 
them from their possessions, and put a peri- 
od to the administration of its justice, and 
spread terror and destruction through that 
part of the country which is exposed to their 
oppression. 

3. Resolved^ That it is the opinion of this 
Committee, that the complainants before this 
house, and others, who inhabit part of that 
colony, and from respect to government, 
will not countenance or be concerned in the 
said riotous proceedings, are exposed from 
the violence of the rioters, to iminent dan- 



46 MEMorR o-r 

ger,^ botk in persons and properties ; ami 
th'at they stand in need of immediateprotec- 
tion and suceonr. 

4. Resohed^ That it appears' t6 tliis Com- 
IMttee, that Ethan Allen^Seth Warner^ Remen^ 
ber Baker ^ Robert Cochran^ Peleg Sunderland 4 
Sylvanm Broivn^ James Breakenrklge^ and- 
John Smithy are principcll rii^g-ieaders of, and 
aetors in the riots and disturbances afore- 
said, and that it is, therefore, tlie opinion of 
tliis Committee, that an humble address ba 
presented to his Excellency, desiring that he 
would be pleased to issue a Proclamation^ 
offering a reward of fifty pounds for appre-' 
bending and securing any or either of the 
persons above named, in his Majesty's g^iol 
in Albany ; and commanding the magistrates 
and other civil officers of the county of Albany 
and Charhttef to be active and vigilant iu- 
suppressing the said riots, and preserving^ 
peace and good order, as well as for bring- 
ing to jastiee the perpetrators and authors- 
of said riots. 

5. Resolved^ That it is the opiniori of this 
committee, that a bill be brought in, more 
effectually to suppress the said riotous and 
disorderly proceedings, maintain the fre^' 
course of Justice, and for b-ringingthe offen- 
ders to condign punishment. Whieh report 
he read in his place and afterwards delivered 
It in at the table, where the said resolutions 
were severally read a seeoi^d? time, and it was 



(COL. jETWAN AI.LEN. , 47 

resolved that this house doth .agre;e mtii the 
Committee in their saicj resolutions. 

Ordered^ That a bill be brought in, purSjiir 
R^nt to the last resolution, and that Mr. Brushy 
and Col. Ten Brgeck^ prepare aad bring in 
the same. Ordered that Capt. I)elancy and 
Mr. Walton^ wait on his Excellency the Govr 
ea*nor \yith the foregoing address and resolu- 
tions of the house." 

These resolutions, as may be expected^ 
created much excitement among the settlers 
and led them to the speedy adoption of coun- 
ter measures. A general meeting of the 
Committees for the several townships on the 
west side of the range of Green Mountains, 
was held at Manchester, on the first day of 
March, 1774 : at which the grievances of 
the people were freely discussed, as w^ell as 
the extiaordinary proceedings of the New 
York Legislature. In the conclusion of the 
answer, adopted by the meeting, to the reso- 
lutions of New-York, it was resolved, "that 
as a country, w^e will stand by and defend 
-pur friends and neighbours, indicted as riot- 
ers, at the expense of our lives and fortunes:'' 
and "that, for the future, every necessary 
preparation be made, and that our inhabit- 
ants hold themselves in readiness at a niin- 
:^te'g warning, to aid and defend such friends 
Qf ours, who, for their merit to the great 
and general cause, are falsely denominated 
fioters j but that we will not act any thing, 



48 MEMOIR OF 

more or less, but on the defensive ; and al- 
ways encourage due execution of law in civ- 
il cases, and also in criminal prosecutions, 
that are so indeed; and that we will assist, 
to the utmost of our power, the officers ap- 
pointed for that purpose." 

On the 9th of March, and previous to the 
time the proceedings of the Manchester Con- 
vention were received, the General Assembly 
of New York, proceeded to carry into effect 
their resolutions of the 5th February, and 
enacted the following law : 

An Act for preventing tumultuous and riot- 
ous Assemblies in the places therein men- 
tioned, and for the more speedy and effect- 
ual punishing the rioters. 
Whereas, a spirit of riot and licentiousness 
has, of late, prevailed in some parts of the 
counties of Charlotte and Albany^ and many 
acts of outrage and cruelty have been per- 
petrated by a number of turbulent men, who 
assembling from time to time, in arms, have 
seized, insulted and menaced, several magis- 
trates, and other civil officers, so that they 
dare not execute their functions — rescued 
prisoners for debt — assumed to themselves 
mihtary commands, and judicial powers — 

*The County of Albany, it is believed, extended to 
the north line of Manchester, in the present County of 
Bennington ; the territory north of that, on the western 
side of the mountains, was erected in a separate County, 
by the name of Charlotte. — Vt. State Papers, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 49 

burned and demolished houses and property, 
and beat and abused the persons of many of 
his Majesty's subjects — expelled others from 
their possessions — and finally, have put a 
period to the administration of justice within, 
and spread terror and destruction through- 
out, that part of the country which is expos- 
ed to their oppression : Therefore, for the 
preventing and suppressing such riots and tu- 
mults, and for the more speedy and effectual 
punishing the offenders therein, 

] . Be it enacted^ by his Excellency the G ov- 
ernor, the Council, and the General Assem- 
bly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authori- 
ty of the same. That, if any persons, to the 
number of three, or more, being unlawfully, 
riotously, and tumultuously assembled, with- 
in either of the said counties, to the disturb- 
ance of the pubhc peace, at any time after 
the passing of this act, and being required or 
commanded, by any one or more justice or 
justices of the peace, or by the high sheriff, 
or his under sheriff, or by any one of the cor- 
oners of the county, where such assembly 
shall be, by proclamation to be made in the 
King's name, in the form hereinafter direct- 
ed, to disperse themselves, and peaceably to 
depart to their habitations, or to their lawful 
business, shall, to the number of three, or 
more, notwithstanding such proclamation 
made, unlawfully, riotously, and tumultuously 
remain or continue together, to the number 
5 



50 MEMOIR OP 

of three or more, after such command or re-» 
quest made by proclamation, shall, for every 
such oftence, upon conviction thereof, in due 
form of law, either in the supreme court of 
judicature of this colony, or at the courts of 
oyer and terminer, and general gaol delivery, 
or at the general sessions of the peace, to 
be held respectively in and for the said coun- 
ties of j2 lb any and Charlotte, or either of them, 
suffer twelve months imprisonment, without 
bail or mainprize, and such further corporal 
punishment as the respective courts before 
which he, she, or they, shall be convicted, 
shall judge fit, not extending to life or limb ; 
and before his or her discharge, shall enter 
into recognizance with two sufficient sure- 
ties, in such sum as the said courts shall res- 
pectively direct, to be of good behaviour, and 
keep the peace towards his Majesty and all 
his subjects, for the term of three years from 
such his, her, or their discharge out of prison. 
2. ^^nd be it further enacted by the authority 
aforesaid. That the order and form of the 
proclamation which shall be made by the au- 
thority of this act, shall be as hereafter fol- 
lows, that is to say : The justice or other 
person, authorised by this act to make the 
said piGciamation, shall, among the said ri- 
oters, or as near them as he can safely come, 
with a loud voice, command, or cause to be 
commanded, silence to be kept while procla- 
mation is making ; and shall then openlj:^ 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 



51 



With a loud voice, make, or cause to be made, 
proclamation in these words, or to the like 
effect : Our Sovereign Lord the King^ charg- 
eth and commandeth all persons being assembled^ 
immediately to disperse themselves^ and pcaceablif 
to depart to their habitations.) or to their lauful 
business^ upon the pain contai^ied in the act 7)iadc 
in the fourteenth year of the reign of King 
George the thirds to pjr event tumultuous and ri- 
otous assemblies. And every such justice or 
justices of the peace, sheriff, under sheriff or 
coroner, within the limits of the respective 
counties, where they reside, are hereby au- 
thorised, empowered and required, on notice 
or knowledge of any such unlawful, riotous 
and tumultuous assembly, forthwith to repair 
to the place where such unlawful, riotous and 
tumultuous assembly shall be, to the number 
of three or more, and there to make or cause 
to be made, proclamation in manner afore- 
said. 

3. And be it further enacted by the authority 
aforesaid. That if any person or persons do, 
or shall, with force and arms, wilfully and 
knowingly oppose, obstruct, or in any man- 
ner, wilfully and knowingly let, hinder or hurt 
any person or persons, who shall begin to 
proclaim, or go to proclaim, according to 
the proclamation hereby directed to be made, 
whereby such proclamation shall not be 
made ; that then, every such opposing, let- 
ting, hindering or hurting, such person or 



^^2 MEMOIR OF 



persons, so being or going to make such pro- 
clamation as aforesaid, shall be adjudged 
felony, without benefit of clergy ; and that 
the offenders therein, shall be adjudged fel- 
ons, and shall sulfer death, as in cases of fel- 
ony without benefit of clergy. And that also, 
every such person or persons, so being un- 
lawfully, riotously and tumultuously assem- 
bled to tlie number of three, as aforesaid, or 
more, to whom proclamation should or ought 
to have been made, if the same had not been 
hindered as aforesaid, shall, in case they or 
any of them, to the number of three or more, 
shall continue together, and not forthwith dis- 
perse themselves, after such let or hindrance, 
having knowledge of such let or hindrance^ 
shall, likewise, for every such offence, upon 
conviction thereof, in manner aforesaid, suf- 
fer the same pains and penalties as are here- 
by inflicted on those w^ho shall continue to- 
gether to the number of three or more, after 
they shall be commanded to depart to their 
habitations, or lawful business, by proclama- 
tion as aforesaid. 

4. And he it further enacted hj t\\Q authority 
aforesaid. That if such persons so unlawful- 
ly, riotously and tumultuously assembled, or 
any three or more of them, after proclama- 
tion made in manner aforesaid, shall contin- 
ue together, and not forthwith disperse them- 
selves, it shall and may be lawful to and for 
every such justice of the peace, sheriff, under 



Col. ETHAN ALLEN. 53 

sheriff, coroner, or constable, of any county 
or township where such assembly shall be ; 
atid to and for such person of persons as shall 
be commanded to be assisting unto such jus- 
tice of tlie peace, sheriff, under sheriff, cor- 
oner^ or constable, (who are hereby author- 
ised and empowered to command all his Ma- 
jesty's subjects of age and ability, to be aid- 
ing and assisting to them therein ;) to seize 
and apprehend, and they are hereby required 
to seize and apprehend such persons so un- 
lawfully, riotously, and tumultuously assem- 
bled together, after proclamation made as 
aforesaid, and forthwith to carry the persons 
so apprehended, before any one or more of 
his Majesty's justices of the peace of the 
said counties of Charlotte or Albany^ in order 
to their being proceeded against for such 
their offences according to law. 

And that, if the persons so unlawfully, riot- 
ously and tumultuously assembled, or any of 
them, shall happen to be killed, maimed, or 
hurt, in the dispersing, seizing or apprehend- 
ing them, by reason of their resisting the per- 
sons so dispersing, seizing, or apprehending, 
or endeavouring to disperse, seize, or appre- 
hend them ; and then, every such justice of 
the peace, sheriff, under sheriff, coroner or 
constable, and all and singular persons aiding 
and assisting to them, or any of them, shall 
be freed, discharged, and indemnified, as well 
against the King's Majesty, his heirs and 

5# 



54 MEMOIR OF 

successors, as against all and every other 
person or persons, of, for, or concerning the 
killing, maiming, or hurting of any such per- 
son or persons, so unlawfully, riotously, and 
tumultuously assembled, that shall happen to 
be so killed, maimed, or hurt as aforesaid. 

5. And be it further enacted by the authority 
aforesaid. That, if any person or persons, 
within the said counties, or either of them, 
not being lawfully authorised a judge, justice 
or magistrate, shall assume judicial power, 
or shall try, fine, sentence or condemn any 
person who shall either be absent, or shall 
unlawfully or forcibly be seized, taken or 
brought before him or them, for trial or pun- 
ishment ', or if any person or persons shall 
aid or assist in such illegal proceedings, or 
shall enforce, execute or carry into effect ; 
or if any person or persons shall, unlawfully, 
seize, detain, or confine, or assault and beat 
any magistrate or civil officer, for, or in the 
respect of any act or proceeding in the due 
exercise of his function, or in order to com- 
pel him to resign, renounce, or surcease his 
commission or authority, or to terrify, hinder 
or prevent him from performing and discharg- 
ing the duties thereof; or if any person or 
persons, either secretly or openly, shall, un- 
lawfully, wilfully and maliciously, burn or de- 
stroy the grain, corn or hay, of any other 
person, being in any inclosure ; or if any 
persons, unlawfully, riotously, and tumultu- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN 55 

ously assembled together, to the disturbance 
of the pubhc peace, shall, unlawfully, and 
with force, demolish or pull down, or begin 
to demohsh or pull down, any dwelling house, 
barn, stable, grist mill, saw mill, or out house^ 
within either of the said counties ; that then, 
each of the said offences, respectively, shall 
be adjudged felony, without benefit of clergy ; 
and the offenders therein shall be adjudged 
felons, and shall sufler death, as in cases of 
felony without benefit of clergy. 

6. And whereas complaint and proofs have 
been made, as well before his Excellency the 
Governor and Council, as before the Gener- 
al Assembly, That, Ethan Alle7i^ sometime of 
Salisbury^ in the colony of Connecticut^ but 
late of Bennington^ in the county of Albany^ 
yeoman ; Seth Warner^ late of Bennington^ in 
caid county, yeoman ; Remember Baker^ late 
of Arlington^ in the said county, yeoman ; 
Robert Cochran^ late of Rupert^ in the county 
of Charlotte^ yeoman ; Peleg Smiderland and 
Silvanus Brown^ late of Socialborovgh^ in the 
same county, yeomen ; James Brachenridge^ 
late of Wallumschach^ in the county of Albany^ 
yeoman ; and John Smithy late of Socialbo' 
roughs yeoman ; have been principal ring- 
leaders of, and actors in, the riots and dis- 
turbances aforesaid; and the general as- 
sembly have, thereupon, addressed his Ex- 
cellency the Governor, to issue a proclamar 
tion offering certain rewards for apprehend- 



56 MEMom OF* 

ing and securing thd said offenders, and fof 
bringing them and the other perpetrators and 
authors of the riots to justice : And foras- 
much as such disorderly practices are highly 
criminal and destuctive to the peace and set- 
tlement of the country, and it is indispensa- 
bly necessary for want of process to outlaw- 
ry, (which is not used in this colony) that 
special provision be made for bringing such 
offenders, in future, to trial and punishment, 
without exposing the colony to the expense 
of extraordinary rewards and bounties for 
apprehending such offenders. 

Be it further enacted by the authority afore- 
said, That it shall and may be lawful to, and 
for, his Excellency the Governor, or the Gov- 
ernor and Commander in Chief, for the time 
being, by, and with, the advice of the Coun- 
cil, as often as either of the above named 
persons, or any other person, shall be indict- 
ed in either of the counties aforesaid, for any 
offence perpetrated after the passing of this 
act, made capital by this or any other law, 
or w^here any person may stand indicted for 
any of the offences above mentioned, not 
made felony by this act, to make his order in 
council, thereby requiring and commanding 
such offender or offenders to surrender them- 
selves, respectively, within the space of sev- 
enty days next after the first publication 
thereof, in the Mew York Gazette and JVeekly 
Mercury^ to one of his Majesty's justices of 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN^ S? 

the peace, for either of the said counties, re- 
spectively, who are hereby required, thereup- 
on, to commit him or them, without bail or 
mainprize, to the gaol of the city of New 
York, or of the city and county of Albany^ to 
the end that he or they may be forth coming 
to answer the oftence or offences wherewith 
he or they shall stand charged, according to 
the ordinary course of law ; which order the 
clerk of his Majesty's Council, or bis deputy, 
shall cause forthwith to be printed and pub- 
lished, in eight successive papers, oiih^New 
York Gazette ayid Weekly Mercury ; the tWo 
first of which to be, forthwith transmitted to 
the sheriffs of the counties of Jllbany and 
Charlotte ; and the said sheriffs, respectively, 
shall, within six days after the receipt thereof, 
cause the same printed orders to be affixed 
upon the door of the court house of the coun- 
ty oi Albany^ and upon the door of the dwell- 
ing house of Patrick Smith, Esq., where the 
courts are now usually held, for the said 
county of Charlotte, and upon the doors of 
two other public houses in each of their re- 
spective counties. And in case the said of- 
fenders shall not respectively surrender them- 
selves, pursuant to such orders of his Excel- 
lency the Governor, or of the Governor and 
Commander in Chief, for the time beisg, to 
be made in Council as aforesaid ; he orthey, 
so nefflectinff or refusing to surrender himself 
or themselves as aforesaid, shall, from the 



68 MEMoik 6t 

day to be appointed for his or their surrendi^ 
as aforesaid, be adjudged, deemed, and (if 
ihdicted for a capital ofience hereafter to be 
perpetrated) to be convicted and attainted 
of felony, and shall suffer death, as in cases 
of persons convicted and attainted of felony, 
by verdict and judgment^ without benefit of 
clergy ; and that it shall and may be lawful 
to and for the supreme court of judicature of 
this colony, or the courts of oyer and termi- 
ner, or general gaol delivery, for the respec- 
tive counties aforesaid^ to award execution 
against such offender or offenders, so indict- 
ed for a capital offence, perpetrated after the 
passing of this act, in such manner as if he 
or they had been convicted or attainted in 
the said supreme courts of judicature, or be^ 
fore such courts of oyer and terminer, or 
general gaol delivery respectively. And if 
any offender, being indicted for k lesser of- 
fence^ under the degree of felony, shall not 
surrender himself within the time fixed by 
such order, and after such notice aforesaid^ 
he shall thenceforth be deemed guilty of the 
offence for which he may be charged by such 
indictment ; and it shall be lawful for the 
court wherein such indictment is found, to 
proceed to pronounce such judgment against 
the offender, as might lawfully be dotie if he 
was present in court, and convicted in the 
ordinary course of law, of the criftie where* 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 59 

with he shall so stand charged as aforesaid. 
Provided always, 

7. And be it further enacted by the same-au^ 
thority aforesaid, That, if any person, so neg- 
lecting to surrender himself as aforesaid, 
within the said seventy days, shall, at any 
time after, surrender himself tq the sheriff of 
the city of JVew York or Albany^ or of the 
counties of Dutchess or V/est Chester^ (who are 
to receive, and safely keep such offenders) 
and being actually in custody, shall exhibit 
reasonable proof, to the satisfliction of the 
judges of the supreme court of this colony, 
or either of them, that he was not within ei- 
ther of the said counties of Cumberland or 
Gloucester^ at any time after the pubUcation 
and notices above directed, and before such 
surrender of himself as aforesaid ; then such 
judge before whom such proof is made, shall, 
forthwith, notify the same in writing, to the 
sheriff to whom any warrant of execution for 
the executing such offender, or any other pro- 
cess for any lesser punishment hath been, or 
may be issued ; and thenceforth, such prison- 
er or offender shall not be liable to sufier " 
death or any other punishment for not sur- ^ 
I rendering himself— Provided also, that no-^^ 
I thing in this act contained shall be construed^' 
' to exenipt any offender, so surrendering him-^^ 
iself after the seventy days as aforesaid, fromW* 
any punishment to which he may be liable'-^^' 
for any other crime than for not surrendering^- 



60 MEMOIR OP 

himself within the said seventy days as afore- 
said ; nor to deprive any person who shall 
so surrender himself within the seventy days, 
from being bailed, in cases where he shall be 
bailable by law j any thing herein contained 
to the contrary thereof, in any wise, notwith- 
standing. 

8. And he it further enacted by the same au- 
thority aforesaid, That all and every person 
and persons who shall, after the expiration 
of the time to be appointed, as aforesaid, for 
the surrender of the respective offenders 
herein before named, harbour, receive, con- 
ceal, abet, or succour such offender or of- 
fenders, knowing him or them to have been 
required to surrender him or themselves by 
such order or orders as aforesaid, and not to 
have surrendered pursuant thereto, shall, up- 
on conviction thereof, in due form of law, suf- 
\ fer the same pains and penalties as are, by 
s this act, inflicted on those who shall continue 
SI together to the number of three or more, af- 
b^ter they shall be commanded to depart to 
oijtheir habitation or lawful business, by procla- 
in(jiiation as aforesaid. 

cou ^- ^^-^ whereas the said county of Char- 
pi'ootte^ hath but lately been set off from the said 
the ounty of ^Ihany^ and there is yet no gaol or 
wasourt house erected within the same ; and a 
ordireat part of the said county being involved 
a state of anarchy and confusion, by reason 
' the violent proceedings of the aforesaid 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 61 

riotous and disorderly people, from whence 
it must, at present, be extremely difficult, if 
not impracticable, to bring oftenders to jus- 
tice within the said county. 

Be it therefore further enacted by the author- 
ity aforesaid, That all treasons, felonies, 
crimes, misdemeanors and offences whatso- 
ever, at any time hereafter to be committed 
or perpetrated, within the said county of 
Charlotte^ shall and may be proceeded against 
and presented by any grand jury for the coun- 
ty of Albany^ from time to time, to be impan- 
nelled and sworn at any court of criminal ju- 
risdiction to be held in and for the said coun- 
ty 0^ Albany ; whd shall and may charge any 
of the said offences to have been committed 
in any part of the said county of Charlotte ; 
and all indictments so found by them, shall 
be adjudged to be good and valid, notwith- 
standing that the place of perpetrating any 
of the said offences be in the said indictments 
alleged to be out of the said county of Al- 
bany ; and all such offences and offenders 
which shall be presented or indicted as afore- 
said, shall and may be tried within the coun- 
ty o^ Albany^ and by a jury thereof, and there 
heard, determined, and punished in the same 
manner and as if such treason, felony, crime, 
misdemeanor or offence, h^d arisen and been 
perpetrated within the said county o^ Albany. 

10. Provided always, and be it further en- 
acted^ That if, at any time hereafter, the jus- 

6 



62 MEMOIR OF 

tices to be appointed for holding courts of 
oyer and terminer, and general gaol delivery 
for the said county of Charlotte^ in cases cog- 
nizable before them, or the justices of the 
general sessions of the peace for the said 
county of Charlotte^ in cases cognizable be- 
fore them, shall conceive that any prisoner 
or offender may be safely brought to justice 
within, and by a jury of, the said county of 
Charlotte^ that then, it shall and may be law- 
ful to and for each of the said courts respec- 
tively, to proceed against, and try, such pris- 
oner or offender, having lawful cognizance 
of his cause, within, and by a jury of, the said 
county of Charlotte ; and hhn there to acquit 
or to sentence, condemn, and punish, as the 
law directs; any thing in this act lo the con- 
trary thereof notv/ithstanding. 

11. And be it further enacted by the author- 
ity aforesaid. That this act shall be publicly 
read in .every court of generpJ sessions of the 
peace, to be held in each of the said coun- 
ties of Albany and Charlotte respectively. 

1 2. And be it further enacted by the author- 
ity aforesaid. That this act shall remain and 
continue in full force and effect, from the 
passing thereof, until the first day o( January^ 
which will be in the year of our Lord, one 
thousand seven hundred and seventy six." 

The passage of the foregoing law, blasted 
every prospect of amity or peace between 
tlie belhgerents— -the Green Mountain Boys 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 63 

regarding it as an act to terrify them into 
submission to unjust and arbitrary measures. 
tJnder this impression, therefore^ the threats 
were regarded with contempt ; and only 
served to rivet, still closer, their attachment 
to the position they had assumed. As an 
evidence of this, we find the following Re- 
monstrance to the law^ signed by Ethan Jl- 
len, and others, '^ which presents," says the 
State Papers^ " a fair specimen of the views 
and feelings of the great body of the New 
Hampshire grantees, at this trying period." 

" His Excellency, Governor Tryon^ in con- 
formity to the addresses of the general as- 
sembly of the colony of Neiv York^ having, 
on the 9th day of March, 1774, with the ad- 
vice of his Council, issued his proclamation, 
offering, therein, large sums of money for the 
purpose of apprehending and imprisoning 
the following persons, viz : Ethan Jlllen, Seth 
Warner^ Remember Bakcr^ Robert Cochran^ 
Peleg Sunderland, Silvwms Brown, James 
Brackenridge, and James Smith. 

And whereas his Excellency the Governor, 
by the same proclamation, hath strictly en- 
joined and commanded all magistrates, jus- 
tices of the peace, sheriffs, and other civil 
officers^ of the counties o{ Albany and Char- 
lotte, to be active and vigilant in apprehend- 
ing and imprisoning the persons above nam- 
ed ; and we^ the aforesaid persons, who 
have hereunto subscribed^ being conscious 



64 MEMOIR OF 

that oar cause is good and equitable in the 
sight of God, and all unprejudiced and hon- 
est men, are determined, at all events, tO' 
maintain and defend the same, till his Majes- 
ty's pleasure shall be known concerning the 
validity of the Meiv Hampshire grants. And 
vve now proclaim to the public, not only for 
ourselves, but for the JYew Hampshim gYRHt- 
ees, and occupants in general, that the spring, 
and moving cause, of our opposition to the 
government of A'^eiv York, was self preser- 
vation, viz: Firstly, the preservation and 
maintaining of our property : and secondly, 
since that government is so incensed against 
us, therefore it stands us in hand to defend 
our lives ; for, it appears, by a late set of 
laws, passed by the legislature thereof, that 
the hves and property of the JVeiv Hampshire 
settlers are manifestly struck at : but, that 
the pubhcmay rightly understand the essence 
of the controversy, we now proclaim to those 
law givers, and to the world, that iiiheJSew 
York patentees willremove their patents that 
have been, subsequently, lapped and laid on 
the A^'ew H^ainpshire charters, and quiet, us in 
our possessions, agreeable to his Majesty's 
directions, and suspend those criminal pros- 
ecutions against us for being rioters (as we 
are unjustly denominated) then will our set- 
tlers be orderly and submissive subjects to 
government ; but, be it known to that des- 
potic fraternity of law makers and law break.- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 



65 



ers, that we will not be fooled or frighted out 
of our property. They have broke over his 
Majesty's express prohibitions, in patenting 
those lands, and when they act in conformi- 
ty to the regal authority of Great Britain it 
will be soon enough for us to obey them. It 
is well known by all wise and sensible per- 
sons in the neighbouring governments, (that 
have animadverted on the controversy) that 
their pretended zeal for good order and gov- 
ernment, is fallacious, and that they aim at 
the lands and labours of the grantees and 
settlers aforesaid ; and that they subvert the 
good and wholesome laws of the realm, to 
corroborate Avith^ and bring about their vile 
and mercenary purposes. 

And, inasmuch as the malignity of their 
disposition towards us, hath flamed to an im- 
measurable and murderous degree, they have, 
in their new fangled laws, calculated for the 
meridian of the New Hampshire grants, pass- 
ed the 9th of March^ 1774, so calculated 
them, as to correspond with the depraved- 
ness of their minds and morals ; — in them 
laws, they have exhibited their genuine pic- 
tures. The emblems of their insatiable, av- 
aricious, overbearing, inhuman, barbarous, 
and blood guiltiness of disposition and inten- 
tion is therein pourtrayed in that transparent 
image of themselves^ which cannot fail to be 
a blot, and an infamous reproach to them, to 
posterity. — We cannot suppose, that every 

6 * 



66 



MEMOIR OF 



of his Majesty's Council, or that all the mem-- 
bers of the general assembly were active in 
passing so bloody and unconstitutional a set 
of laws. Undoubtedly, some of them dis- 
approved thereof; and it is altogether pos- 
sible, that many that were active in making 
the law, were imposed upon by false repre- 
sentations, and acted under mistaken views 
of doing honor to government ; but be this 
as it will, it appears that there was a major- 
ity. And it has been too much the case with 
that government, for a number of designing 
schemers, and land jockeys, to rule the same. 
Let us take a view of their former narrow 
and circumscribed boundaries, and how, hy 
that legerdemain, bribery and deceptions of 
one sort or other, they have extended their 
domain far and wide. They have wrangled 
with, and encroached upon their neighbour- 
ing governments, and have used all manner 
of deceit and fraud to accomplish their de- 
signs : their tenants groan under their usury 
and oppression ; and they have gained, as 
w^ell as merited, the disapprobation and ab- 
horrence of their neighbours; and the inno- 
cent blood they have already shed, calls for 
heaven's vengeance on their heads ; and if 
they should come forth in arms against us, 
thousands of their injured and dissatisfied 
neighbours in the several governments, will 
join with us, to cut ofi", and extirpate such aii 
execrable race from the face of the earth ! 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 67 

This piece is not supposed to eontaiii a full 
answer to the new constructed laws aforesaid; 
for such a large iwo year old^ hath never be- 
fore been seen in America^ it being of an enor- 
mous and monstrous birth -, nor is it supposed 
to give the legislators their full characters : 
but so much may suffice for the present. To 
quote the laws, and make remarks thereon^ 
v/ould be matter sufficient for a volume: how- 
ever, we will yet make some short observa- 
tions. 

1st. Negatively, it is not a law for the Pro-- 
vince of JVeiv York in general, but, 

2d. Positively, it is a law but for part of 
the counties of Charlotte and Albany^ viz : 
such parts thereof as are covered with the 
New Hampshire charters; audit is well known 
those grants compose but a minor part of 
the inhabitants of said Province ; and we 
have no representative in that assembly. — 
The first knowledge we had of said laws, was 
the completion of them ; which informed 
us, that if we assembled, three or more of 
us together, to oppose (that which they call 
legal) authority, we shall be adjudged felons-, 
and suffer the pains of death ; and that same 
fraternity of plotters knew, as well as we, and 
the generality of the people in the adjacent 
colonies^ that they have, for a number of 
years last past, endeavoured to exercise such 
a course of what they call law, that had they 
Bot been opposed by the people of these 



68 MEMOIR OF 

grants (called the mob) in the executing th^ 
same, they would, before this time, have been 
in possession of that territory, for which the 
laws aforesaid are calculated. Therefore, 
the case stands thus : If we oppose civil 
officers, in taking possession of our farms, we 
are, by these laws, denominated felons ; or 
if we defend our neighbours who have been 
indicted rioters, only for defending our prop- 
erty; we are hkewise adjudged felons. In 
fine, every opposition to their monarchical 
government is deemed felony, and at the end 
of every sentence, there is the word death ! 
And the same laws further impowered the re- 
spective judges, provided any persons, to the 
number of three, or more, that shall oppose 
any Magistrate, or other civil officer, and be 
not taken, that aft^r a legal warning of sev- 
enty days, if they do not come and yield 
themselves up to certain officers appointed 
for the purpose of securing them ; then it 
shall be lawful for the judges aforesaid, to 
award execution of death, the same as 
though he or they had been convicted or at- 
tainted before a proper court of judicature, 
&c. The candid reader will, doubtless, ob- 
serve, that the diabolical design of this law, 
is to obtain possession of the Netc Hampshire 
grants, or to make the people that defend 
them, out-laws, and so kill them whenever 
they can catch them. 

Those bloody law-givers know we are ne- 



COL. ETHAN ALtErf. 6&' 

cessitated to oppose their execution of law, 
where it points directly at our property, or 
give up the sam^ : but there is one thing is 
matter of consolation to us, viz : that printed 
sentences of dfeath will not kill us when we 
are at a distance ; ancf if the e.tecutioners 
approach lis, they will be as likely to fall vic- 
tims to^ deatb as we : and that person, or 
country of persons, are cowards indeed, if 
they cannot, as manfully, fight for their hber- 
ty, property and life, as villains can do to de- 
prive them thereof. 

The JYeio Foiry^ schemers accuse tis with; 
many things ; part of which are true, and 
part not.— ^ With respect to rescuing prison- 
ers for debt, it is false. As to assuming ju- 
dicial powers, we have 7iot, except a well reg- 
ulated combinatiori of tRe people to defend 
their just rights, may be called so. As to form- 
ing ourselves into military order, and assum- 
ing mihtary commands, the J\^ew York po^- 
sies, and mihtary preparations, oppressions, 
&c. obliged us to it. Probably Messieurs Du- 
mie^ Kempf and Banyar^ of A^eiv York^ will 
not diBcommend us for so expedient a prepa- 
ration ; more especially since the decrees of 
the 9th otMarch^ are yet to be put in execu- 
tion : and we* flatter ourselves, upon occa- 
sion, we can muster as good a regiment of 
marksmen and scalpers, as America can af- 
ford ; and we now give the gentlemen above 
named, together with Mr. Brushy and Col 



*7d MEMOIR 01^ 

Ten Sroeckf ^nd in fine, all the land jobbers 
of JYew York, an invitation to come and view 
the dexterity 6f our regintent 5 and we can- 
not think of a better time for that purpose, 
than when the executioners come to kill us, 
by virtue of the authority their judges have 
lately received to award and sentence us to 
death in our absence. There is still one 
more notable complaint against us, viz : — 
That we had insulted and menaced several 
magistrates, and other civil officers, so that 
they dare not execute their respective func- 
tions. This is true, so far as it relates to the 
magistrates. But the public should be in- 
formed, what the functions of those magis- 
trates are : — they are commissioned for the 
sole purpose of doing us all the licirm and 
mischief they possibly can, through their ad- 
ministration and influence; and that they 
might be subservient to the wicked designs of 
the JVew York schemers. These are their 
functions ; and the public need no further 
proof than the consideration that they are the 
tools of those extravagant law-makers ; and 
it must be owned, they acted with great judg- 
ment, in choosing the most infernal instru- 
ments for their purpose. 

Draco, the Athenian law-giver, caused a 
number of laws, (in many respects analogous 
to those we have been speaking of,) to be 
written in blood. But our modern Dracos de- 
termine to have their's verified in blood. They 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 71 

well know we shall, more than //ircc,nay, more 
tlian three times three hundred^ assemble to- 
gether, if need be., to maintain our conmion 
cause, till his Majesty determines who shall 
be and remain the owners of the land in con- 
test. " Wilt not thou possess that which Che- 
moth^ thy God, giweth thee to possess ?" So will 
we possess that which the Lord our God 
(and King) giveth us to possess. 

And lastly, vve address ourselves to the 
people of the counties of Albany and Char- 
lotte, which inhabit to the westward of, and 
are situated contiguous to, the JS^eiv Hamp- 
shire o-rants. 

Gentlejneii^ Frie7ids and JYeighhours^ 

Providence having allotted and fixed the 
bounds of our habitations in the same vicini- 
ty, which, together with the intercourse of 
trade and commerce, hath formed an almost 
universal acquaintance and tie of friendship 
between us, and hath laid such a foundation 
of knowledge, that your people, in general, 
cannot but be sensible that the title of our 
land is, in reality, the bone of contention ; 
and that, as a people, we behave ourselves 
orderly ; and are industrious, and honestly 
disposed ; and pay just deference to order 
and good government ; and that we mean no 
more by that which is called the mob, but to 
defend our just rights and property. We ap- 
peal to the gentlemen merchants, to inform 



72 MEMOIR OF 

whether our people, in general, do not exert 
themselves to pay their just del:)ts ; and 
whether ever they have been hindered by tho 
country's mob, in the coljectiQn of their dues. 
But as the magistrates, sheriffs, under 4Bheir- 
iffs, coroners and constables, , of the respqct- 
ive counties, that hold their posts of honour 
and profit under our bitter enemies, we have 
a jealousy, that some of them may be induc- 
ed (to recommend themselves to those on 
whom they are dependent, and for the wages 
of unrighteousness, offered by proclamation) 
to presume to apprehend some of us, or our 
friends : We therefore, advertise such offi- 
cers, and ail persons whatsoever, that we are 
resolved to inflict immediate death on whom^ 
soever may attempt the same. And provid- 
ed any of us or our party shall be taken, and 
we have not notice sufficient to relieve them, 
or whether we relieve them or not, we are 
resolved to surround such person or persons, 
whether at his or their own house or houses, 
or any where that we can find him or them, 
and shoot such person or persons dead. And 
furthermore, that we will kill and destroy any 
person or persons whomsoever, that shall 
j}resu7m to be accessary, aiding or assisting 
in taking any of us as aforesaid ; for by these 
presents we give any such disposed person or 
persons to understand, that, although they 
have a license by the law aforesaid, to kill us ; 
vand an " indemnification" for such murder, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 73 

from the same authority ; yet they have no 
indemnification for so doing, from the g^-een 
vioimtain boys ; for our lives, Hberties and 
properties, are as verily precious to us, as to 
any of the King's subjects ; and we are as 
loyal to his Majesty or his government, as 
any subjects in the Province : but if the gov- 
ernmental authority of JYeiu-York will judge 
in their own case, and act in opposition to 
that of Great Britain^ and insist upon killing 
us, to take possession of our "vineyards" — 
come on, we are ready for a game of scalp- 
ing with them ; for our martial spirits glow 
with bitter indignation, and consummate fu- 
ry, to blast their infernal projections. 

It may be, the reader not having seen the 
law referred to in this piece, and not being 
thoroughly acquainted with the long and spir- 
ited conflict that hath subsisted betv/een the 
claimants under Mew-Hampshire and Mew- 
York^ nor of the progressive, arbitrary and 
monopolizing disposition of the court party 
of the latter of those Provinces ; may be apt 
to imagine that the spirit of this writing is 
too severe, inasmuch as it destines whoever 
presumes to take us as felons or rioters, to 
immediate death ; but let the wise consider 
the state of the cause. 

1, Provided we on our part be taken, we 
have by them laws, the sentence of death al- 
ready pronounced against us, on proviso 
more than three of us assemble together to 
7 



74 MEMOIR OP 

maintain and defend our property, till his 
Majesty determines the controversy, And 

2. May it be considered, that the legis- 
lative authority of the Province oi JS\w'York 
had no constitutional right or power to 
make such laws ; and consequently, that 
they are null and void, from the nature and 
energy of the English constitution ; therefore 
as they merit no place among the laws of 
the realm of Great Britain^ but are the arbi- 
trary league and combination of our bitter 
and merciless enemies, who, to obtain our 
property, have inhumanly, barbarously, and 
maliciously, under the specious and hypocrit- 
ical pretence of legal authority, and venera- 
tion for order and government, laid a snare 
for our lives ; can the public censure us for 
exerting ourselves nervously to preserve our 
lives, in so critical a situation ? For, by the 
laws of the Province, into which we are un- 
fortunately fallen, we cannot be protected 
in either property or life, except we give up 
the former to secure the latter ; so we are 
resolved to maintain both, or to hazard or 
lose both. 

From hence follows a necessary inference, 
That inasmuch as our property, nay, our 
lives, cannot be protected (but manifestly 
struck at) by the highest authority in the 
Province to which we, at present belong ; 
therefore in the interim, while his Majesty is 
determining tlie controversy, and till he shall 



fcOL. EtttAN ALLEN* 15 

interpose his royal authority, and subject 
the authority aforesaid to their duty, or re- 
annex the district of disputed lands to the 
Province of JVew- Hampshire, in his great 
wisdom, and fatherly clemency, put the dis- 
tressed settlers under Mew-Hampshire, on an 
equal footing with our brother subjects in his 
realm ; we are under necessity of resisting^ 
even unto blood, every person who may at- 
tempt to take us as felons or rioters as afore- 
said ; for in this case it is not resisting law, 
but only opposing force by force ; therefore 
inasmuch as by the oppressions aforesaid, 
the JS'ew- Hampshire settlers are reduced to 
the disagreeable state of anarchy and confu- 
sion, in which state we hope for wisdom, pa- 
tience and fortitude, till the happy hour his 
Majesty shall graciously be pleased to re- 
store us to the privileges of Englishmen. 
Signed by ETHAN ALLEN, 
SETH WARNER, 
REMEMBER BAKER, 
ROBERT COCKRAN, 
PELEG SUNDERLAND, 
JOHN SMITH, 
SILVANUS BROWN. 
Bminington, April 26, 1774. 
The seeds of disunion, sown by the un- 
wise pohcy of the British Ministry, were, at 
this advanced state of the Controversy be- 
tween New York and Vermont, rapidly 
springing into life. The oppressive meas- 



76 



MEMOIR OF 



ures of the Parent Government— its fatal 
attempt to burthen the Colonists with a sys- 
tem of unequal taxation — aroused a spirit 
among them, indicative of a sanguinary 
struggle, and a bloody termination. So 
threatening was the aspect of aftairs, that 
preparatory measures were taken for con- 
vening a Continental Congress ; and Dele- 
gates were, accordingly, chosen, from twelve 
of the Colonies, to meet at Philadelphia, on 
the 5th day of September, 1774. 

This important step towards an organiza- 
tion of the pohtical power of the Colonies, 
was followed, as may naturally be anticipat- 
ed, by an almost total suspension of royal 
authority : " The courts of justice," says 
Williams' History, '• were either shut up, or 
adjourned, without doing any business :" and 
every attempt, on the part of the King's of- 
ficers, to extend their authority over the peo- 
ple, was followed by a strong and decided 
opposition. The first interruption of this 
kind, occurred at Westminster, in the county 
of Cumberland, in the New Hampshire 
Grants, over which the jurisdiction of New 
York had been extended. The occurrence 
is fully described in the following document : 
''^A relation of the proceedings of the people of the 

County of Cumberland^ and Province ofJVew- 

York. 

In June, 1774, there were some letters 
came to the Supervisors of said county from 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 



77 



the Committee of correspondence at New- 
York, signed by their chairman, Mr. Low; 
which letters, said Supervisors, through ig- 
norance or intention, kept until September, 
when they had another meeting ; and it is 
supposed that they intended always to have 
kept them, and the good people would have 
remained in ignorance about them until this 
time, had it not been by accident that it was 
whispered abroad, so that Dr. Reuben Jones 
of Rockingham, and Capt. Azaria Wright of 
Westminster heard of it, and took proper 
care to notify those towns. A meeting was 
called in the two towns aforesaid, and a com- 
mittee was chosen by each town, to wait on 
the supervisors, at their meeting in Septem* 
her, to see if there were any papers that 
should be laid before the several towns in the 
county ; and they found that there were pa- 
pers come from the committee of corres- 
pondence, that should have been laid before 
the towns in June. The supervisors made 
many excuses for their conduct : some plead 
ignorance, and some one thing and some 
another : but the most of them did seem to 
think, that they could send a return to the 
committee at New-York, without ever laying 
them before their constituents ; which prin- 
ciple, at this day, so much prevails, that it is 
the undoing of the people. Men at this day 
are so unfortunately tainted, with the prin- 
ciples pf tyranny, that they would lain be- 



78 MEMOIR OP 

lieve, that as they are chosen by the people 
to any kind of office, for any particular things 
that they have the sole power of that people 
by whom they are chosen, and can act in the 
name of that people in any matter or thing, 
though it is not in any connection with what 
they were chosen for. But the committees 
would not consent to have a return made, 
until every town in the county, had Mr. Low's 
letters laid before them ; which was done, 
and a County Congress was called ; return 
was made, a committee was chosen to see 
that it was put in print ; but through interest 
or otherwise, it never was pubhshed in any 
of the papers. 

Immediately after, the people of the coun- 
ty aforesaid received the resolves of the 
Continental Congress. They called a Coun- 
ty Congress, and did adopt all the resolves 
of the Continental Congress as their resolves, 
promising religiously to adhere to that agree- 
ment or association. There was a commit- 
tee of inspection moved for, to be chosen by 
the county, according to the second resolve 
of the association aforesaid ; but being much 
spoken against by a justice and an attorney 
and looked upon by them as an impertinent 
thing, the delegates dared not choose one. 
At this time there were tory parties forming, 
although they were under disguise; and 
had laid a plan to bring the lower sort of the 
people iato a state of bondage and slavery. 



COL. ETHAN ALLE5f 79 

They saw that there was no cash stirrihg, 
and they took that opportunity to collect 
debts, knowing that men had no other way 
to pay them, than by having their estates ta- 
ken by execution, and sold at vendue. — 
There were but very few men among us that 
were able to buy ; and those men were so 
disposed, that they would take all the world 
into their own hands, without paying any 
thing for it, if they could, by law ; which 
would soon bring the country into slavery. 
Most, or all of our men in authority, and all 
that wanted court favors, seemed much en- 
raged, and stirred up many vexatious law- 
suits, and imprisoned many, contrary to the 
laws of this Province, and the statutes of 
the crown. One man they put into close 
prison for high treason ; and all that they 
proved against him, was, that he said if the 
King had signed the Quebec bill, it was his 
opinion that he had broken his coronation 
oath. But the good people went and open- 
ed the prison door and let him go, and did 
no violence to any man's person or property. 
Our men in office would say that they did 
like the resolutions of the Continental Con- 
gress, and they ought to be strictly adhered 
to, until our general assembly voted against 
them. Then they said that this would do 
for the Bay-Province, but it was childish for 
us to pay any regard to them. Some of our 
court would boldly say, that the King had a 



80 MEMOIR OF 

just right to make the revenue-acts, for he 
had a supreme power ; and he that said oth- 
erwise was guilty of high treason, and they 
did hope that they would be executed ac- 
cordingly. The people were of opinion that 
such men were not suitable to rule over 
them : and as the general assembly of this 
Province would not accede to the associa- 
tion of the Continental Congress, the good 
people were of opinion, that if they did ac- 
cede to any power from or under them they 
should be guilty of the breach of the 4th ar- 
ticle of that association, and may justly be 
dealt with, accordingly, by all America. — 
When the good people considered that the 
general assembly were for bringing them in- 
to a state of slavery (which did appear plain 
by their not acceding to the best method to 
procure their liberties, and the executive 
power so strongly acquiescing in all that 
they did, whether it was right or wrong;) 
the good people of said county thought it 
time to look to themselves. And they thought 
that it was dangerous to trust their hves and 
fortunes in the hands of such enemies to A- 
merican liberty ; but more particularly un- 
reasonable that there should be any court 
held; since, thereby, we must accede to 
what our general assembly had done, in not 
acceding to what the whole continent had 
recommended ; and that all America would 
break off all dealings and commerce with us. 



COL. EtIlAN ALLEN* 81 

and bring Us into a state of slavery at once. 
Therefore in duty to God, ourselves and 
posterity, we thought ourseh^es under the 
strongest obligations to resist and to oppose 
all authority that would not accede to the 
resolves of the Continental Congress. But 
knowing that many of our court were mqn 
that neither feared or regarded men, but 
thought it was most prudent to go and per- 
suade the judges to stay at home. Accord- 
ingly there were about forty good true men 
went from Rockingham to Chester, to dis- 
suade Col. Chandler, the chief Judge, from 
attending court. He said he believed it 
would be for the good of the county not to 
have any court, as things were : but there 
was one case of murder that they must see 
to, and if it was not agreeable to the people, 
they would not have any other case. One of 
the committee told him that the Sheriff 
would raise a number with arms, and that 
there would be bloodshed. The Colonel 
said that he would give his word and honor 
that there should not be any arms brought 
against us ; and he would go down to court 
on Monday the 13th of March instant, which 
was the day that the court was to be opened. 
We told him that we would wait on him, if 
it was his will. He said that our company 
would be very agreeable ; likewise he re- 
turned us his hearty thanks for our civility, 
and so we parted with him. 



B2 MEMOIR OP 

We heard from the southern part of the 
state, that Judge Sabin was very earnest to 
have the law go on, as well as many petty 
officers. There Were but two judges in the 
county at that time. Col. Wells being gone 
to New York. There was a great deal of 
talk in what manner to stop the court ; and 
at length it was agreed on to let the court 
come together, and lay the reasons we had 
against their proceeding, before them, think- 
ing they were men of such sense that they 
would hear them. But on Friday, we heard 
that the court was going to take possession 
of the house on the 13th inst., and to keep a 
strong guard at the doors of said house, that 
we could not come in. We being justly 
alarmed by the deceit of our court, though 
it was not strange, therefore we thought pro- 
per to get to court before the armed guards 
were placed ; for, we were determined that 
our grievances should be laid before the 
court, before it was opened. On Monday, 
the 13th of March inst., there were about 
100 of us entered the court house, about four 
o'clock in the afternoon. But we had but 
just entered, before we were alarmed by a 
large number of men, armed with guns, 
swords and pistols. But we, in the house, 
had not any weapons of war among us, and 
were determined that they should not come 
in with their weapons of war, except by force 
of thera. 



COL. BTH4N AI^tEN, S3 

Esq. Patterson came up at the head of hi^ 
armed company, within about five yards of 
the door, and commanded us to disperse ; to 
which he got no answer. He then caused 
the King's Proclamation to be read, and told 
us, that if we did not disperse in fifteen min- 
utes, by G— d he would blow a lane through 
us. We told him that we would not disperse. 
We told them that they might come in if they 
would^unarm themselves, but not without. — 
One of our men went out at the door, and 
asked them if they were come for war ; told 
them that we were come for peace, and that 

' we should be glad to hold a parley with them. 

I At that, Mr. Gale, the clerk of the court, 

j drew a pistol, held it up, and said, d — n the 
parley with such d — d rascals as you are ; I 
will hold no parley with such d — d rascals, 
but by this, — -holding up his pistol. They 
gave us very harsh language, told us we should 

\ be in hell before morning ; but, after a while, 
they drew a little off from the house, and 
seemed to be in a consultation. Three of 
us went out to treat with them ; but the most 
or all, that we could get from them, was, 
that they would not talk with such d — d ras- 
cals as we were ; and we soon returned to 
the house, and they soon went oft'. 

Col. Chandler came in, and we laid the 
case before him, and told him that we had 
his word that there should not be any arms 
brought against us. He said that tlie arms 



84 MEMOIR OF 

were brought without his consent, but he 
would go and take them away from them, and 
we should enjoy the house undisturbed until 
morning ; and that the court should come in 
the morning w^ithout arms, and should hear 
what we had to lay before them ; and th^n he 
went away. We then went out of the house 
and chose a committee, which drew up arti- 
cles to stand for, and read them to the com- 
pany ; and they were voted nem. con. cUs. and 
some of our men went to the neighbours, 
and as many as the court and their party saw, 
they bound. 

About midnight, or a little before, the sen- 
try, at the door, espied some men with guns, 
and he gave the word to man the doors, and 
the walk was crov/ded. Immediately, the 
sheriff and his company marched up fast, 
within about ten rods of the door, and then 
the word was given, take care, and then, 
jfire. Three fired immediately. The word 
lire was repeated ; G — d d — nyou, fire, send 
them to hell, were most or all the words that 
were to be heard for some time : on which, 
there were several men wounded ; one was 
shot with four bullets, one of which went 
through his brain, of which wound he died 
next day. Then they rushed in with their 
guns, swords and clubs, and did most cruelly 
bruise several more ; and took some that 
were not wounded, and those that were, and 
crowded them into close prison together, and 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. S5 

told them that they should all be in hell be- 
fore the next night, and that they did wish 
that there were forty more in the same case 
with that dying man. When they put him 
into prison, they took and dragged him as 
one would a dog ; and would mock him as he 
lay gasping, and make sport for themselves, 
at his dying motions. The people that es- 
caped took prudent care to notify the people 
in the count}^ and also in the government of 
New Hampshire, and the Bay ; which being 
justly alarmed at such an unheard of and 
aggravated piece of murder, did kindly in- 
terpose in our favour. 

On Tuesday the 14th inst., about 12 o'- 
clock, nearly 200 men, well armed came from 
New Hampshire government ; and before 
night there were several of the people of 
Cumberland county returned, and took up all 
they knew of, that were in the horrid mas- 
sacre, and confined them under a strong 
guard ; and afterwards they confined as ma- 
ny as they could get evidence against, except 
several that did escape for their lives. On 
the 15th inst., the body formed, chose a mod- 
erator and clerk, and chose a committee to 
see that the coroner's jury of inquest were 
just, impartial men ; which jury on their oath 
did bring in, that W. Patterson, &c. &:c. did, 
on the 13th March inst., by force and arms, 
make an assault on the body of William 

8 



86 MEMOIR OF 

French,* then and there lying dead, and shot 
him through the head with a bullet, of which 
wound he died, and not otherwise. Then, 
the criminals were confined in close prison, 
and on the evening of the same day, and ear- 
ly the next morning, a large number came 
from the southern part of the county of Cum- 
berland, and the Bay Province. It is com- 
puted, that in the whole, there were 500 good 
martial soldiers, well equiped for war, that 
had gathered. On the i6th inst., the body 
assembled ; but being so numerous that they 

* The followina; is a literal copy, of the inscription 
on the tomb stone of Mr. French. We present it to 
our readers as a literary curiosity. 

EPITAPH. 

!n Memory of Wiliiam French 
Son of Mi- Nathaniel French Who 

e th 
Was shct at Westminster March y 13 

1775 by the hrnds of Cruel Ministereal 

e d 
tools of Georg y 3 in the Corthouse at 

d 
alia Clock at Night in the 22 year of 

his Age 

Here Williaiii French his Body lies 
For Murder his blood for Vengance cries 
King Georg the third his Tory crew 
tha with a bawl his head Shot threw 
For Liberty and his Countrys Good 
he L*^?t his Life his Dearest blood 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 87 

could not do business, there was a vote pass- 
ed, to choose a large committee to repre- 
sent the whole, and that this committee 
should consist of men who did not belong to 
the county of Cumberland, as well as those 
that did belong thereto ; which was done. 
After the most critical and impartial exami- 
nation of evidence, voted, that the heads of 
them should be confined in Northampton jail, 
till they could have a fair trial ; and those , 
that did not appear so guilty, should be un- 
der bonds, holden to answer at the next court 
of oyer and terminer in the county aforesaid ; 
which was agreed to. On the 17th inst., 
bonds were taken for those that were to be 
bound, and the rest set out under a strong 
guard for Northampton. 

We, the committee aforesaid, embrace 
this opportunity to return our most grateful 
acknowledgments and sincere thanks to our 
truly wise and patriotic friends in the gov- 
ernment of New Hampshire and the Massa- 
chusetts Bay, for their kind and benevolent 
interposition in our favour, at such a time of 
distress and confusion aforesaid ; strongly 
assuring them, that we shall be always ready 
for their aid and assistance, if by the dispen- 
sations of divine providence, we are called 
thereto. 

Signed by order of the Committee. 

REUBEN JONES, Clerk. 

Cumberland county^ March 23d, 1775." 



88 MEMOIR OF 

The effect of this Massacre, as it was 
termed, was electrical upon the people of 
Cumberland, and, in fact, upon the whole 
mass of settlers on the New Hampshire 
Grants. The opposition to the claims of 
New York, had, thus far, mostly been confin- 
ed to the inhabitants on the Western side of 
the Green Mountains — a majority of the 
grantees, in the vicinity of Connecticut River, 
having surrendered their original charters, 
taken new grants under New York, and qui- 
etly submitted to the jurisdiction of that Col- 
ony : They entered fully, however, into the 
spirit which pervaded the people of Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut, in relation to the 
oppressive policy of Great Britain towards 
her American Colonies. This state of pub- 
lic sentiment, together with the fact that the 
Provincial Assembly of New York had with- 
h.eld its approbation from the pohtical meas- 
ures recommended by the Continental Con- 
gress, (which had received the sanction of 
every other Colony) induced them to an open 
resistance of the administration of New 
York. In pursuance of this determination, 
a meeting of a large body of people was held 
at Westminster, on the ]lth day of ApriU 
1775, at which the following measures were 
adopted : 

] . Voted, That Major Abijah Lovejoy be 
the Moderator of this meeting. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN^ 89 

2. Voted. That Dr. Reuben Jones be the 
Clerk. 

3. Voted, as our opinion, That our inhab- 
itants are in great danger of having their 
property unjustly, cruelly, and unconstitution- 
€iily taken from them, by the arbitrary and 
designing administration of the government 
of New York; sundry instances having al- 
ready taken place. 

4. Voted, as our opinion. That the lives of 
those inhabitants are in the utmost hazard 
and imminent danger, under the present ad- 
ministration. Witness the mahcious and 
horrid massacre of the night of the 1 3th ult, 

5. Voted, as our opinion, That it is the du- 
ty of said inhabitants, as predicated on the 
eternal and immutable law of self preserva- 
tion, to wholly renounce and resist the ad- 
ministration of the government of New York, 
till such time as the lives and property of 
those inhabitants may be secured by it ; or 
till such time as they can have opportunity 
to lay their grievances before his most gra- 
cious Majesty in Council, together with pro- 
per remonstrance against the unjustijfiable 
conduct of that government ; with an hum- 
ble petition, to be taken out of so oppressive 
a jurisdiction, and, either annexed to some 
other government, or erected and incorporat- 
ed into a new one, as may appear best to the 
»aid inhabitants, to the royal wisdom and 

8* 



90 MEMOIR OF 

clemency, and till such time as his Majesty 
shall settle this controversy. 

6. Voted, That Col. John Hazeltine, Cha's 
Phelps, Esq. and Col. Ethan Allen, be a Com- 
mittee to prepare such remonstrance and pe- 
tition for the purpose aforesaid. 

In this situation of affairs, the people of 
Vermont were electrified by the commence- 
ment of hostilities, between America and 
Great Britain, at Lexington, Ms., on the me- 
morable 19th of April, 1775. This exciting 
prelude to an eventful drama, produced a 
startling effect from one extremity of the 
Colonies to the other. " Local and Provin- 
cial contests, were, at once," says Wilhams' 
History, " swallowed up by the novelty, the 
grandeur, and the importance of the contest 
thus opened." 

Although the settlers on the New Hamp- 
shire Grants, yielded to the importance of 
the American cause, and used their endeav- 
ours to assist in carrying into effect the 
measures agreed upon by the sister Colo- 
nies, yet they did not relax in their exertions 
to improve their internal condition, and sub- 
stantiate the purity and justness of their pro- 
ceedings in regard to the claims of New 
York. To a firm adherence to their prima- 
ry position, and to their patriotic exertions 
in behalf of the common cause, may be attrib- 
uted the little trouble they afterwards expe- 
rienced in obtaining? an amicable and satis- 



COL« ETHAN ALLEN. 91 

factor)' settlement of their difficulties, and a 
final admission into the Federal Union. 

The period to which we have now arrived 
in the life of Col. Allen, places him in a more 
broad and interesting position before the 
reader. Heretofore he has been seen onlj 
as the zealous friend of the people among 
whom he resided— as the champion of the 
humble citizen, contending for the rights of 
property and private justice : In these offi- 
ces of friendship and duty, however, he had 
rendered himself conspicuous ?tnd trust wor- 
thy. He had evinced a spirit of patriotism^ 
and a love of freedom, which warmly recom- 
mended him to the confidence, the esteem, 
and the friendship, of the most conspicuous 
advocates of American liberty. That he 
should have been selected, therefore, as a 
leader in a measure fi-aught with important 
incidents, to the cause of liberty, is a re- 
ward due both to his patriotic principles and 
important public services. 

Soon after the result of the battle of Lex- 
ington was known, instructions were private- 
ly sent to Col. Allen, from the General As- 
sembly of Connecticut, to enhst a body of 
the settlers on the New Hampshire Grants, 
and, if it were thought possible, to surprise 
and take the fortress of Ticonderoga.* This 

* Doctors Morse and Parish thus describe this fortress 
in the American Gazetteer : 

" Ticonderoga, in the State of New York, was built 



92 MEMOIR OF 

enterprise was cheerfully undertaken by him* 
The requisite number of men were speedily 
enrolled, and ready for the attack. The se- 
veral passes, leading to the fortress, were 
carefully guarded by Col. Allen, and all com- 
munication between the garrison and the ad- 
joining country, intercepted. By a forced 
march, he arrived at the Lake, opposite Ti- 
conderoga, on the evening of the 9th day of 
May, 1775, with two hundred and thirty brave 
Green Mountain Boys. Considerable diffi- 
culty was experienced in procuring boats to 
cross the Lake : This difficulty, however, 
was, at last, surmounted ; and eighty threq 
men were landed near the garrison, and the 
boats sent back for the rear guard, com- 

by the French, in the year 1756, on the north side of a 
Peninsula, formed by the confluence of the waters is- 
suing from Lake George into Lake Champlain. It is 
now a heap of ruins, and forms an appendage to a farm. 
Its name signifies JVoisy, in the Indian language ; and 
Was called, by the French, Corillor. Mount Independ- 
ence, in Addison County, Vt*, is about two miles S, E. 
of it, and separated from it by the narrow strait whiela^ 
conveys the waters of Lake George and South River into- 
Lake Champlain. It had all the advantages whicfe art 
or nature could give it— being defended on three sides 
by water, surrounded by rocks ; and where that faik, 
the French erected a breast-work nine feet high. This 
was the first fortress attacked by the Americans during 
the Revolutionary war The troops under Gen. Ab» 
ercrombie were defeated here, in 1758 ; but it was re* 
taken the year follovNing: by Gen. Amherst. It was 8ur» 
prised by Col. Allen, May 10, 1775jaiid was retaken bj 
Gen, Burgoyoe, ia July, 1777. 



COL* ETHAI^ ALLEJTr 93 

manded by Col. Seth Warner. As the day 
began to dawn, Col. Allen found himself un- 
der the necessity of attacking the fort, before 
the arrival of Coi. Warner's detachment. — 
"As this," says Col. Allen, in his '^ JVmrative,'^^ 
" was viewed hazardous, I harangued the of- 
ficers and soldiers in the manner following : 

'^Friends andfelloiv soldiers : You have, for 
a number of years past, been a scourge and 
terror to arbitrary power. Your valor has 
been famed abroad, and acknowledged, as 
appears by the advice and orders to me, from 
the General Assembly of Connecticut, to 
surprise and take the garrison now before us^ 
I now propose to advance before you ; and, 
in person, conduct you through the wicket- 
gate ; for we must, this morning, either quit 
our pretensions to valor, or possess ourselves 
of this fortress in a few minutes. And, in- 
asmuch as it is a desperate attempt, which 
none but the bravest of men dare undertake, 
I do not urge it on any one contrary to his 
will. You that will undertake^ voluntarily^ 
poise your firelocks,'''' As might be conjectur- 
ed, among such a body of hardy and fearless 
men, the musket of every one was brought 
to a poise : Colonel Allen, with his men, 
immediately advanced to the wicket gate, 
where a sentry was found posted, who snap- 
ped his musket at him, and retreated through 
the covered way into the parade, w^ithin the 
garrison, gave the alarm, and ran under a 



94 MEMOIR OF 

bomb-proof.* Col. Allen immediately form^ 
ed liis men (who had boldly followed him,) 
on the parade in such a manner that they 
faced the two barracks, which were opposite 
to each other. The garrison being asleep, 
except the sentries, three loud huzzas were 
given, very much, without doubt, to their sur- 
prise. One of the sentries made a pass at 
one of the American officers, with a bayonet, 
and slightly wounded him. " My first 
thought," says the Colonel, " was to kill him 
with my sword ; but, in an instant, 1 altered 
the design and fury of the blow, to a slight 
cut on the side of the bead ; upon which, he 
dropped his gun, and asked for quarters, 
which I readily granted him, and demanded 
of him the place where the commanding offi- 
cer kept. He shewed me a pair of stairs, in 
the front of a barrack, on the West part of 
the garrison, which led up to a second story 
in said barrack, to which I immediately re- 
paired, .and ordered the commander, Capt. 
De La Place, to come forth instantly, or I 
would sacrifice the whole garrison ; at which 
the Captain came immediately to the door, 
with his small clothes in his hand — when I 

^ The author, in detailing the events cf this transac' 
tion, as well as the incidents connected with the life o^ 
Col. Allen, from 1775 to 1778, has relied upon the de- 
tails furnished by the " Narrative'"^ heretofore referred 
to ,* and, so far as possible, preserved the language of 
the narrator. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 



95 



ordered him to deliver to me the fort, instant- 
ly. He asked me by what authority I de- 
manded it. I answered him — " In the name 
of the Great Jehovah and the Continental 
Congress !" The authority of the Congress 
being very little known, at that time, he be- 
gan to speak again ; but I interrupted him ; 
arid, with my drawn sword oyer his head, 
again demanded an immediate surrender of 
the garrison : with v/hich he then complied, 
and ordered his men to be forthwith paraded 
without arms, as he had given up the garri- 
son. In the mean time, some of my officers 
had given orders, and in consequence there- 
of, sundry of the barrack doors were beaten 
down, and about one third of the garrison 
imprisoned, which consisted of the command- 
er, a Lieutenant Feltham, a conductor of Ar- 
tillery, a gunner, two sergeants, and forty 
rank and file, together with about one 
hundred pieces of Cannon, one thirteen-inch 
mortar, and a number of swivels. This sur- 
prise was carried into execution in the gray 
lof the morning of the 10th of May, 1775. — 
The sun," adds the Colonel, '-seemed to rise 
[that morning with a superior lustre ; and 
jTiconderoga and its dependencies smiled 
|on its conquerors, who tossed about the 
'flowing bowl, and wished success to Con- 
gress and the liberty and freedom oi America." 
I Col. Warner, with the rear guard, crossed 
the lake, and joined the conquerorSs early in 



96 MEMOIR OP 

the morning ; who was immediately des- 
patched, with about one hundred men, to 
take possession of Crown Point, which was 
garrisoned with only a sergeant and twelve 
jrnen. This was effected the same day, and 
about one hundred pieces of cannon, togeth- 
er with other munitions of war were secured. 
Only one thing now remained to be done in 
order to obtain the control of Lake Cham- 
plain : This was to capture a sloop of war, 
which v/as then lying at St. Johns, L. C. ; to 
.effect which, it was agreed in a council of 
w^ar, to arm and man out a certain schooner, 
lying at South Bay, and place Captain, (af- 
terwards General) Arnold, in command of 
her, while Colonel Allen was to command 
the batteaux. The necessary preparations 
being made, they set sail from Ticonderoga, 
in quest of the Sloop, which was much larger, 
and carried more, and heavier guns, than the 
schooner. The schooner sailing much more 
rapidly than the batteaux. General Arnold 
arrived at St. Johns and possessed himself 
of the sloop before the arrival of Col. Allen. 
He also made prisoners of a sergeant and 
twelve men, who were stationed at that 
place. "It is worthy of remark," adds the 
Narrative ; " that as soon as Gen. Arnold 
had secured the prisoners on board, and 
made preparations for sailing, the wind, which 
but a few hours before, was fresh from the 
^South, and w^ell served to carry us to St. Johns, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 97 

now shifted, and came fresh from the North ; 
and, in about one hour's time, Gen. Arnold 
sailed with the prize and schooner for Ticon- 
deroga." He was met, by Col. Allen, within 
a few miles of St. Johns, and saluted with a 
discharge of cannon, which was returned 
with a volley of small arms. After two re- 
petitions of this compliment, the Colonel and 
his othcers went on board the sloop, w^hen 
several loyal healths were drank to Con- 
gress." 

The result of this victory was of the ut- 
most consequence to the cause of America, 
as it utterly destroyed the military force of 
the British, upon Lake Champlain, and 
weighed heavily in the balance of pubhc 
opinion. It cannot be disguised, that the 
people of the American Colonies embarked 
in the cause of freedom with many misgiv- 
ings. They were wdl aware of their own 
weakness : and they were equally well ap- 
prized of the gigantic power with which 
they were to contend. The capture, there- 
fore, of Ticonderoga, a strong and well for- 
tified fortress, together with the entire over- 
throw of the British power upon the Lake, 
tended to raise their drooping spirits, and cre- 
ate a confidence among them, which' was of 
vast importance to the general cause. First 
impressions, in every cause, exercise a pow- 
erful influence upon succeeding incidents : 
9 



m 



MEMOIR OP 



and, in proportion to their importance, are 
their effects to be considered.* 

Early in the ensuing fall, the Ameiican ar- 
my, under the command of Generals Schuy-r 
ler and Montgomery, received orders to ad- 

* Commenting upon the success which attended 
the attack upon Tieonderoga, and the expedition 
to St. Johns, Col. Allen remarks : 

" This success 1 viewed of consequence in the 
scale of American politics ; for, if a settlement, 
between the then Colonies of Great Britain, had 
soon taken place, it would have been easy to have 
restored these acquisitions; but viewing the then 
future consequences, of a civil war, as it has really 
proved to be, and ihe command of that Lake, gar- 
risons, artillery, &c., it must be viewed to be of 
signal importance, to the American cause ; and it 
is marvellous lo me that we ever lost the command 
of it. Nothing but taking a Burgoyne, with a whole 
British army, could, in my opinion, atone for it : 
and, notwithstanding such an extraordinary victory, 
we must be obliged to regain the command of that 
Lake again, be the cost what it will : By doing 
this, Canada will easily be brought into union and 
confederacy with the United States of America. 
Such an event would put it out of the power of the 
Western tribes of Indians to carry on a war with 
us, and be a solid and durable bar against any far- 
ther inhuman baj barilies, committed on our frontier 
inhabitants, by cruel and blood-thirsty savages; 
for, it is impossible for them to carry on a war, ex- 
cept they are supported by the trade and.* com^ 
inerce of some civilized nation : which, to them, 
would be impiacticable,did Canada compose a part 
of the American Empire." 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. ^9 

yanee into Canada. Col. Allen was at 
Ticonderoga when this order arrived ; and 
received pressing requests from the Generals, 
and a majority of the field officers, to ac- 
company the expedition — it being stipulated 
that, although he held no regular commis- 
sion from Congress, he should be considered 
as an officer, and, as occasion might require, 
command certain detachments of the army. 
This being considered, by him, an honorable 
offisr, and feeling a desire to assist, to the ex- 
tent of his power, in any expedition having 
for its object the good of the country, he 
eom.plied with the requests, and advanced 
with the army to Ish anx JVoix,^^ From this 
place, he was ordered, by the General, 
to accompany Major Brown, and certain in- 
terpreters, through the woods into Canada^ 
with letters to the Canadians, informing them 
that the design of the army was only against 
the English garrisons, and not the country, 
their liberties or their religion. Having, 
with much difficulty, arranged this business, 
he returned to Isle aux A'oix, early in Septem- 
ber. Gen. Schuyler having returned to Al- 

* Isle aux Noix, or Nut Island, is a smali 
Island of about 50 acres, near (he North end of 
Lake Chatirplain, and within the Province of Low- 
erCanada. Here the British had a garrison of 100 
men. It is about 5 miles N. N. E. of the mouth 
of La Cole River, 20 North of Isle La Motte, and 
12 oi* 15 Southward of St. Johns. 



100 MEMOIR OP 

bany, the command devolved upon Getl, 
Montgomery, from whom Col. Allen soon af- 
ter received orders to make a second tour 
into Canada, for the purpose of observing 
the disposition, designs and movements of 
the inhabitants. This reconnoitre was un- 
dertaken with reluctance by the Colonel ; 
" choosing rather," as he asserts, " to assist 
at the siege of St. Johns,^ which was then 
closely invested ; but my esteem for the 
General's person, and opinion of him as a 
politicicm^ induced me to proceed." 

The route taken by the Colonel, led him 
through all the parishes on the river Sorrel,t 
to a parish at its mouth, bearing the same 
name. The inhabitants were addressed by 
him, upon the policy of the American Gener- 
als, in besieging St. Johns ; and every argu- 
ment used to quiet their fears and enlist their 
feelings in behalf of the besiegers. From 
the parish of Sorrel, he directed his course 
to the river St. Lawrence, and thence through 

* St. Johns, is situated on the West bank of the 
.Sorrel River, in Lower Canada, at the North end 
of Lake Champlain, and twenty eight miles from 
Montreal. 

f Sorrel River is the outlet of Lake Cham* 
plain ; and, after a course of abont 69 miles Norths 
empties into the river St. Lawrence, in North lat. 
46, 10, and long. 72, 25 West. Sorrel Fort, built 
by the French, is at the Western point ofthefiaouth 
of this river. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN Id 

the parishes to Longueil, accompanied by a 
Canadian guard, an interpreter, and a few 
American attendants. On the morning of 
the 24th of September, he left Longueil, with 
a guard of about eighty men, for La Prairie,* 
from whence it was his determination to 
proceed directly to Gen. Montgomery's camp. 
He had not advanced but about two miles, 
however, before he met with Major Brown, 
who informed him he had important intelli- 
gence to communicate ; the import of which 
was, that provided Col. Allen would return 
to Longueil, and procure a few canoes, to 
enable the party to effect a passage across 
the St. Lawrence, a short distance North of 
Montreal, he (Major Brown) would cross the 
river South of the town, with two hundred 
men, as he had a sufficient number of boats, 
and thus effect the capture of Montreal. — 
This plan, although somewhat chimerical 
and ill-advised, was readily approved by Col. 
Allen and those in council ; in consequence 
of which, they immediately returned to Lon- 
gueil — collected a few canoes, and, after ad- 
ding about thirty men to the party, crossed 
the river on the night of the 24th, agreeably 
to the proposed plan. The whole effective 
force of Col. Allen, consisted only of about 

* La Prairie, a populous little village, on the 
river St. Lawrence, in Lower Canada, eio;hteen 
miles North of St. Johns, and nine South West of 
Montreal. 

9* 



102 MEMOIR OF 

one hundred and ten men, about eighty of 
whom were Canadians, " We were most of 
the night," says the Colonel, " in crossing 
the river ; as we had so few canoes that they 
had to pass and re-pass three times to carry 
my party across. Soon after day-break, I 
set a guard between me and the town, with 
special orders to let no person whatever pass 
or repass them ; and another guard at the 
other end of the road, with like directions. 
In the mean time I reconnoitred the best 
ground to make a defence — expecting Major 
Brown's party was landed on the other side 
of the town — he having, the day before, 
agreed to give three huzzas with his men ear- 
ly in the morning, which signal I was to re- 
turn, that we might know that both parties 
were landed. But the sun, by this time, be- 
ing near two hours high, and the sign failing, 
I began to conclude myself to be in a sad di- 
lemma ; and would have crossed the river 
back again, but I knew the enemy would dis- 
cover such an attempt : and, as there could 
not more than one third part of my troops 
cross at one time, the other two thirds would, 
of course, fall into their hands. This I could 
not reconcile to my own feehngs as a man^ 
much less as an officer : I, ther-efore, con- 
cluded to maintain the ground, if possible, 
and share the fate of the others. In conse- 
quence of this resolution, I despatched two 
messengers — one to La Prairie, to Major 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 103 

BrowB, and the other to L'Assomption, a 
French settlement, to a Mr. Walker, who was 
in our interest, requesting speedy assistance, 
giving them, at the same time, to understand 
my critical situation. In the mean time, sun- 
dry persons came to my guards, pretending 
to be friends, who were by them taken pris- 
oners, and brought to me. These I ordered 
to confinement, until their friendship could 
be farther confirmed ; for I was jealous they 
were spies, as they proved to be afterwards. 
One of the principal of them, making his es- 
cape, exposed the weakness of my party, 
which was the final cause of my misfortune : 
for I have since been informed that Mr. Wal- 
ker, agreeably to desire, exerted himself, and 
raised a considerable mmiber of men for my 
assistance ; but, hearing of my misfortune, 
he disbanded them." 

The news of the atK. al of Col. Allen and 
his followers, created muoh excitement and 
alarm in Montreal. Gen, Carlton, and the 
royal party, made every preparation to go on 
board their armed vessels, and would, prob- 
ably, have done so, had they not been dis- 
auaded by the information derived from the 
spy, heretofore referred to, who made his 
escape from the Americans. This occasion- 
ed an alteration in their determination, and 
emboldened Gen. Carlton to send an armed 
force against the invaders. "I had previ- 
ously chosen my ground," says CoL Allen, 



104 MEMOIR OF 

" but when I saw the number of the encmVf 
as they sallied out of the town, I perceived 
it would be a day of trouble, if not of re- 
buke. But I had no chance to flee : as 
Montreal is situated on an Island; and the 
river St. Lawrence cut off my communica- 
tion with Gen. Montgomery's camp. I en- 
couraged my soldiery to bravely defend them- 
selves—observing that we should soon have 
help, and that we should be able to keep the 
ground, if no more. This, and much more, 
I affirmed with the greatest seeming assur- 
ance, and which, in reality, I thought to be 
in some degree probable. 

" The enemy consisted of not more than 
forty regular troops, together with a mixed 
multitude, chiefly Caii^dians, with a number 
of English who lived-iir^l^e town, and a few 
Indians: in all, amounting'to about five hun- 
dred men. ^^^^^^ 

" The reader wi^l'h6tice that a majority of 
my party were Canaditins : Indeed, it was 
a motley parcel of soldiery which composed 
both parties. However, the enemy began 
the attack from wood piles, ditches, build- 
ings, and such like places, at a considerable 
distance ; and I returned the fire from a sit- 
uation more than equally advantageous. — 
The attack began between two and three o'- 
clock, in the afternoon, just before which, I 
ordered a volunteer, by the name of Richard 
Young, with a detachment of nine men, as a 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN'y 106 

flank ofuard, to annov the enemy under cov- 
er of the bank of the river, and, at the same 
time, to serve as a flank guard to the left 
wing of the main body. 

•• The lire continued for some time, on 
both sides ; and I was confident that such a 
remote method of attack could not carry the 
ground, provided it even continued until 
night. But about half the body of the ene- 
my began to flank round to my right; upon 
which. 1 ordered a volunteer, by the name of 
John Dugan, who had lived many years in 
Canada, and understood the French lan- 
guage, to detach about hfty of the Canadi- 
ans, and post himself at an advantageous 
ditch, which was on my right, to prevent my 
being surrounded. He advanced with the 
detachment ; but, instead of occupying the 
post, made his escape, as did, likewise, Mr. 
Young, upon the left, with their detachments. 
1 soon perceived that they were in possession 
of the ground, which Bugan should have 
occupied. At this time I had but about 
forty-five men with me ; some of whom were 
wounded. The enemy continued to close 
around me, nor was it in my power to prevent 
it : by which means, my situation, which was 
advantageous in the beginning of the attack, 
ceased to be so at its close. Being almost 
entirely surrounded with such unequal num- 
bers, I ordered a retreat : but found that 
those of the enemy, who were of the couit- 



f06 



MEMOIR OP 



try, and their Indians, could run as fast as my 
men, though the regulars could not. Thus 1 
retreated near a mde ; and some of the en- 
my, with the savages, were continually blank- 
ing me, and others crowdmg hard in the 
rear. In fine, I expected, in a very short 
time, to t)y the world of spirits : for I was ap- 
prehensive that no quarter would be given to 
me ; and, therefore, I had determined to sell 
my life as dearly as I could. One of the en- 
emy's officers, boldly pressing in the rear, 
discharged his fusee at me. The ball whis- 
tled near me, as did many others that day. I 
returned the salute, and missed him, as run- 
ning had put us both nearly out of breath ; 
for I conclude we were not frightened. I then 
saluted him with my tongue, m a harsh man- 
ner, and told him, that inasmuch as his num- 
bers w ere so far superior to mine, I would 
surrender, provided I could be treated with 
honor, and be assured of good quarter for 
myself, and the men who were with me. He 
answered that I should. Another officer, 
coming up soon after, confirmed the treaty ; 
upon which I agreed to surrender, with mj 
party, which then consisted of thirty-one ef- 
fective men, and some wounded. I ordered 
them to ground their arms, which they did. 

The ofiicer I capitulated with, then di- 
rected me and my party to advance towards 
him, which was done. I handed him my 
sword ; and^ in half a minute after, a savage, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 107 

part of whose head was shaved, being al- 
most naked and painted, with feathers inter- 
mixed with the hair of the other side of his 
head, came running towards me with incred- 
ible swiftness. He seemed to advance with 
more than mortal speed. As he approach- 
ed near me, his hellish visage was beyond all 
description. Snakes' eyes appear innocent 
in comparison with his. His features were 
distorted, and mahce, death and murder 
.were depicted upon his countenance ;* and, 
, when within less than twelve feet of me, pre- 
sented his musket. At the instant of liis 
present, I twitched the officer, to whom 1 
gave my sword, between myself and him. — 
He flew round, with great fury, trying to sin- 
gle me out to shoot me, without killing tha 
officer; but, by this time, I was near as nim- 
ble as he — keeping the officer in such a posi- 
tion, that his danger was my defence. In 
less than a minute afterwards, I was attacked 
by just such another imp. I then made th« 
officer fly around with incredible swiftness. 
One of the Canadians lost an ^ye, as it ap- 
peared afterwards, in taking my part ; and, 
soon after, an Irishman came to my assist- 
ance, with a fixed bayonet, and drove away 
the savages: swearing, by J — s, he would 
kill them. This tragic scene composed my 

* A portion of the description of this ** Savage" 
is omitted. 



J08 MEMOIR 0]P 

mind.* The escaping from so awful a death, 
made even imprisonment happy ; the more 
BO, as my conquerors on the held treated me 
with great civility and politeness. 

" The regular officers said they were very 
happy to see Col. Allen. I answered thenh, 
that I should rather chosen to have seen 
them at Gen. Montgomery's camp. They 
replied that they gave full credit to what I 
said ; and, I walked into the town, which 
was, as I should think, a distance of more 
than two miles— a British officer walking at 
my right hand, and one of the French no- 
blesse at my left. The latter was in the ac- 
tion, and had his eye brow carried away by a 
glancing shot : but was, nevertheless, very 
lacetious. No abuse was offered me, until i 
came to the barrack yard, where I met Gen. 
Prescott, who asked me my name, which I 
told him. He then asked me whether I was 
the Col. Allen who took Ticonderoga ? I 
told him I was the very man. He then shook 
his cane over my head, calling me many 
hard names ; among which he frequently us- 
ed the word rebels and put himself in a great 
rage. I told him he would do well not to 
cane me, as I was not accustomed to it t and 
shook my fist at him^ telling him that " that 
was the beeth of 7nortality^^^ for him, if he of- 

* The Colonel was, surely, of a peculiar tempe- 
rament. Very few men, we apprehend, can feath- 
er composure, in a struggle between life and death. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 109 

fered to strike; upon which, Capt. M'Cloud, 
of the British, pulled him by the skirt, and 
whispered to him, as he afterwards told me, 
to this import : that it would be inconsist- 
ent with his honor to strike a prisoner. He 
then ordered a sergeant's command, with 
fixed bayonets, to come forward, and kill 
thirteen Canadians,.which were included in 
the treaty aforesaid. 

The cruelty and manifest injustice of this 
order, aroused the sensibilities of Col. Al- 
len : '' It cut me to the heart," he says, " to 
see the Canadians in so hard a case, in con- 
sequence of their having been true to me ; 
they were wringing their hands, saying their 
prayers, as I concluded, and expected imme- 
diate death. I, therefore, stepped between 
the executioners and the Canadians, opened 
my clothes, and told Gen. Prescott to thrust 
his bayonet into my breast, for I was the sole 
cause of the Canadians taking up arms. 

" The guard, in the meantime, were rolhng 
their eye-balls from the General to me, as 
though impatiently waiting his dread com- 
mands to sheath their bayonets in my heart. 
I could, however, plainly discern that he was 
in a suspense and quandary about the matter. 
This gave me additional hopes of succeed- 
ing ; for my design was not to die, but save 
the Canadians by a finesse. The General 
stood a minute, when he made me the fol- 
lowing reply : " I will not execute you now ; 
10 



110 ME^IOIR OF 

but you shall grace a halter at T} bum, <j-d 
d-— n you." 

" I reraember, I disdained his mentioning 
such a place. I was, notwithstanding, a lit- 
tle pleased with the expression, as it signifi- 
cantly conveyed to me the idea of postpon- 
ing the present appearance of death ; be- 
sides his sentence was by no means final, as 
to " gracing a halter," although I had anxie- 
ty about it after I landed in England, as the 
reader will find in the course of this history. 
Gen. Prescott then ordered one of his offi- 
cers to take me on board the Gaspee schoon- 
er of war, and ccnfjne me, hands and feet, 
in irons; which was done the same aftevr 
noon I was taken. 

'' The action continued an hour and three 
quarters, by the watch ; and I know not, to 
this day, hew many of my men w^ere killed, 
though I think there were but few: if I re- 
member riglit, seven were w^ounded. One of 
them, William Stewart, by name, was wound- 
ed by a savage with a tomahawk, after he 
was taken prisoner and disarm.ed, but was 
rescued by seme of the generous enemy ; 
and so far recovered of his wounds, that he 
afterwards went with the other prisoners to 
Englo.nd. 

" Of the enemy were killed, a Major Car- 
den, Vvho hnd been w^ounded in eleven difler- 
en-t battles, and an eminent m.erchant, Pat- 
terson, of Mcntix^al, and some others ; but i 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 



Ill 



never knew tlieir loss, as their accounts v/ere 
dilierent. I am apprehensive that it is rare, • 
that so much ammunition was expended, and 
so httle execution done by it ; though such 
of my party, as stood their groimd, behaved 
with great fortitude, much exceeding that of 
the enemy, but were not the best of marks- 
men, and, I am apprehensive, were all killed 
or taken; the wounded were ail put into the 
hospital at Montreal, and those that v/ere 
not, were put on board of didcrent vessels in 
the river, and shackled together by pairs, 
viz : two men fastened together by one hand- 
tuff, being closely fixed to one wrist of each 
of them, and treated with the greatest se- 
verity, nay as criminals. 

" I now come to the description of the 
irons, which were put on me : The hand-cufi' 
was of a common size, and form, but my leg 
irons, I should imagine, would v/eigh thirty 
pounds. The bar was eight feet long, ai^id 
very substantial ; the shackles, which en- 
compassed my ancles, were very tight. I 
was told by the officer, who put them on, that 
it was the King's plate, and I heard other of 
their officers say^ that it would weigh forty 
weight. The irons were so close upon my 
ancles, that I could not lie dov/n in any other 
manner, than on rny back. I w^as put into 
the lowest and most wretched part of the 
vessel, where I got the favor of a chest to 
sit oil ; the same answered for my bed at 



112 MEMOIR OP 

night ; and having procured some little 
blocks of the guard, who, day and night, 
with fixed bayonets, watched over me, to he 
under each end of the large bar of my leg 
irons, to preserve my ancles from galling, 
while 1 sat on the chest, or lay back on the 
same, though most of the time, night and 
day, I sat on it ; but at length, having a desire 
to he down on my side, which the closeness 
of the irons forbid, I desired the Captain to 
loosen them for that purpose ; but was de- 
nied the favor ; The Captain's name was 
Royal, who did not seem to be an ill-natured 
man ; but oftentimes said, that his express 
orders were to treat me with such severity, 
which was disa^^reeable to his own feelino^s ; 
nor did he ever insult me, though many oth- 
ers, who came on board, did. One of the 
ofncers, by the name of Bradley, was very 
generous to me ; he would often send me 
victuals from his own table ; nor did a day 
fail, but he sent me a good drink of grog. 

" The reader is now invited back to the 
time i was put into irons. I requested the 
privilege to write to Gen. Prescott, which 
was granted. I reminded him of the kind 
and generous manner of my treatment of the 
prisoners I took at Ticonderoga ; the injus- 
tice and ungentleman-like usage, which I had 
met with from him, and demanded gentleman 
like usage, but received no answer from him. 
I'soon alter wrote to Gen. Carlton, which met 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 113 

the sarrte success. In the mean while, many 
of those who were permitted to see me, were 
very insulting. 

" I was confined in the manner I have re- 
lated, on board the Gaspee schooner, about 
six weeks; during which time I was obliged 
to throw out plenty of extravagant language, 
which answered certain purposes, at that 
time, better than to grace a history. 

'• To give an instance, upon being insulted, 
in a fit of anger, I twisted off a nail with my 
teeth, which I took to be a ten-penny nail ; it 
went through the mortice of the bar of my 
hand-cufi", and at the same time, I swaggered 
over those who abused me ; particularly a 
Doctor Dace, who told me that 1 was out- 
lawed by New York, and deserved death for 
several years past ; was at last fully ripened 
for the halter, and in a fair way to obtain- it : 
When I challenged him, he excused himself 
in consequence, as he said, of my being a 
criminal ; but I flung such a flood of lan- 
guage at him, that it shocked him and the 
spectators, for my anger was very great. I 
heard one say, " damn him^ can he eat iron .^'^ 
After that a small padlock was fixed to the 
hand-cuff*, instead of the nail ; and as they 
were mean spirited in their treatment to me, 
«o it appeared to me, that they were equally 
timorous and cowardly." 

Col Allen, with the other prisoners was 
taken to an armed vessel, which lay off 
10 * 



Ill MEMOIR OP 

against Quebec, under the command of Capt 
M'Cioud, of the British, who extended to- 
wards him the coyrtesy due from one officer 
to another, and the kindness due misfortune. 
In about twenty four hours, however, he re- 
luctantly bade him farewell : But his good 
fortune still continued. The officer to whose 
vessel he was transferred (Capt. Littlejohn) 
was polite, generous and. friendly : and 
the under officers were equally kind in 
their manners. The best fare of the vessel 
was at his disposal ; and, what was equally 
gratifying to his feeli^gs, he was permitted 
to occupy the cabin, untrammelled with his 
irons. Capt. Littlejohn declaring " that a 
brave man should not be used as a rascal on 
board his ship." 

The Colonel, in his " Narrative^'''' relates 
the following incident which occurred while 
he was on board this vessel, which will give 
the reader an insight into the confidence en- 
tertained by the commander for his honour 
and uprightness, and also shew his willing- 
ness at any time, and undfer any circumstan- 
ces, to encounter danger : 

" Capt. Littlejohn used to go to Qeubec al- 
most every day, in order to pay his respects, 
to certain gentlemen and ladies ; being there 
on a certain day, he happened to meet with 
some disagreeable treatment, as he imagin- 
ed, from a Lieut, of a man of war, and one 
word, brought on another, 'till the Lieut^ 



COh. ETHAN ALLEN. 115 

eliallenged him to a duel on the plains of 
Abraham. Capt. Littlejohn was a gentleman 
who entertained a high sense of honor, and 
could do no. less than accept the challenge. 

"At nine o'clock the next morning, they 
were to fight. The Capt. returned in the 
evening, and acquainted his Lieutenant and 
me with the affair : His Lieutenant was a. 
high blooded Scotchman as well as himself, 
who replied to his Captain, that he should 
not want for a second. With this I interrupt- 
ed him, and gave the Captain to understand, 
that, since an opportunity had presented, I 
would be glad to testify my gratitude to him, 
by acting the part of a faithful second, on 
which he gave me his hand, and said that he 
wanted no better man. Says he, I am a King's 
officer, and you a prisoner under my care ; 
you must, therefore, go with me to the place 
appointed under disguise, and added farther ; 
" you must engage me upon the honor of a, 
gentleman, that, whether I die or live, or 
whatever happens, provided you Mve, that 
you will return to my Lieutenant, X)n board 
this ship." A\] this I solemnly engaged him. 
The combatants were to discharge each a 
pocket pistol, and then to fall on with their 
iron-hilted muckle whangers ; and one of 
that sort was allotted for me ; but' some Brit- 
ish officers, who interposed early in the morn- 
ing settled the controversy without fighting." 

After enjoying eight or nine day& of hap-- 



116 MEMOIR OF 

piness, frofii the polite and generous treat- 
ment of Capt. Lit^lejohri and his officers, he 
parted with them in a friendly manner, and 
with much regret, on the 11th of November. 
At the period of his removal, a detachment 
of Gen. Arnold's army appeared on Point 
Levi,^ opposite Quebec, who had performed 
an extaordinary march, through the wilder- 
ness, with a design to surprise the capital of 
Canada : and to this fact, perhaps, is to be 
attributed his change of quarters. He w^as 
now removed to a vessel called the " Ada- 
mant," together with the other American 
prisoners, and put under the power of an 
English merchant, from London, named 
Brook Watson : a man of malicious and cru- 
el disposition, and much excited in the exer- 
cise of his malevolence, by a junto of tories : 
among whom w^ere Col. Guy Johnson, CoL 
Closs, and their attendants and associates, to 
the number of about thirty. The ship's crew, 
however, with the exception of Col. Closs, 
in his personal behavior, treated the prison- 
ers with that spirit of bitterness, " which," 
says Col. Allen, " is the peculiar characteris- 
tic of tories, when they have the friends of 
America in their power — measuring their 
loyalty to the English King by the barbarity, 
fraud and deceit which they exercise towards 
the whigs." 

• Levi, a point af land in the river St. Lawrence, 
opposite the city of Quebec. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, llT 

A small place in the vessel, enclosed with- 
white-oak plank, was assigned for the prison- 
ers, and for Col. Allen among the rest — it 
being about twenty feet one way, and twenty 
two the other. Into this conlined place they 
were all, to the number of thirty-four, thrust, 
and hand-cuffed. " In this circumference," he 
observes, '• we were obliged to eat and per- 
form the offices of evacuation, during the voy- 
age to England ; and were insulted by every 
black-guard sailor and tory on board, in the 
cruellest manner ; but what is the most sur-^ 
prizing is, that not one of us died in the pas- 
sage. When I was first ordered to go into 
the filthy enclosure, through a small sort of 
door, I positively refused, and endeavoured 
to reason the before named Brook Watson 
out of a conduct so derogatory to every sen- 
timent of honor and humanity, but all to no 
purpose, my men being forced in the den al-- 
ready ; and the rascal who had the charge 
of the prisoners commanded me to go imme- 
diately in among the rest : He farther ad- 
ded that the " place was good enough for a 
rebel — that it was impertinent for a capital 
offetjderto talk of honor or humanity; that 
any thing short of a halter, was too good for 
me ;" and that " that would be my portion, 
soon after I landed in Eno-land ; for which 
purpose, only, I was sent thither.". About 
the same time a Lieutenant anions the to- 



H8 



MEMOIR OF 



ries, msulted me in a grievous manner, say-' 
ing that I " ought to have been executed for 
my rebellion against New York," and spit in 
my face ; upon which, though I was hand- 
cuffed, I sprang at him, with both hands, and 
knocked him partly down, but he scrambled 
along into the cabin, and I after him. There 
he got under the protection of some men 
with fixed bayonets, who were ordered to 
make ready to drive me into the place afore- 
mentioned. I challenged him to fighU not- 
withstanding the impediments that were on 
my hands, and had the exalted pleasure to 
see the rascal tremble for fcor 5 his namo I 
have forgotten; but Watson ordered his 
guard to get me into the place with the oth- 
er prisoners, dead or alive ; and I had al- 
most as lief die as do it, standing out till 
they environed me round with bayonets ; 
and brutish, prejudiced, abandoned wretches 
they w^ere, from whom I could expect noth- 
ing but death or wounds : However, I told 
them that they were good honest felloAvs ; 
that I could not blame them ; that I was on- 
ly in dispute Vvdth a calico merchant, who knew 
not how to behave toward^ a gentlerinan of 
the military establishment. This I spoke 
rather to appease them for my own preser- 
vation, as well as to treat Watson with con- 
tempt; but still I found that they were de- 
termined to force me into the wretched cir- 
tumstances, which their prejudiced and de- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, }\9 

praved minds had prepared for me ; There- 
fore, rather than die, I submitted to their in- 
dignities, being drove with bayonets, into the 
fihhy dungeon, with the other prisoners, 
where we were denied fresh water, except a 
small allowance, which was very inadequate 
to our wants ; and, in consequence of the 
stench of the place, each of us was soon fol- 
lowed with a diarrhoea and fever, which oc- 
casioned an intolerable thirst. When we 
asked for water, we were, most conmionly, 
instead of obtaining it, insulted and derided ; 
and, to add to all the horrors of the place, 
it was so dark that we could not see each 
other^ and were overspread with body lice. 
We had, notwithstanding these severities, 
full allowance of salt provisions, and a gill 
of rum per day ; the latter of vv^hich was of 
the utmost service to us, and, probably, was 
the means of saving several of our lives. — . 
About forty days we existed in this manner, 
Avhenthe land's end of England was discov- 
ered from the mast head ; soon after which, 
the prisoners were taken from their gloomy 
abode, being permitted to see the light of 
the sun, and breathe fresh air, which to us 
was very refreshing. The day following 
we landed at Falmouth. 

" A few days before I was taken prisoner, 
I shifted my clothes, in which I happened to 
be taken : a Canadian dress, vi^ : a short 
fawn skin jacket, double breasted, an under 



J 20 MEMOIR OF 

^'est and breeches of sagathy, worstecl stock- 
ings, a decent pair of shoes, two plain shirts 
and a red worsted cap : This was all the 
clothing I had, in which I made my appear- 
;ance in England." 

The landing ofthe prisoners, at Falmouth, 
;Created much commotion among the citizens 
.of that place, excited, as they w ere, by the 
report that the conqueror of Ticonderoga 
was among them^ Numbers of the people 
.were on the roofs of the houses, aiid the 
rising grounds adjacent were covered with 
both sexes. The throng was so great, that 
the King's officers were obliged to draw their 
swords and force a passage to Pendennis 
castle, whicii was about a mile from the 
town, where the prisoners, upon arrival,were 
closely confined, in consequence of orders 
from Gen. Carlton, who then commanded in 
'Canada. 

Brook Watson, who had so shamefully 
abused and maltreated the prisoners, imme^ 
diately set out for London, expecting a re^ 
ward for his inhumanity : but the Ministry 
received him with coldness — the minority, 
(the Whigs) in Parliament arguing that the 
opposition of the Americans to the power of 
Great Britain., was not a rebellion ; but a 
jneasure justified by the numerous evils to 
which they had been subjected by the op- 
pressive policy of the ministry. '^ If it be a 
rebelhon," ihey^ argued, " why do you not ex- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 121 

ccute Col. Allen according to law ? Why 
not give him an impartial trial ? Why de- 
stroy his life by a course of slow, and rigor- 
ous punishment ?" The majority (the To- 
ries,) maintained that the opposition of the 
Americans was really a rebellion, — and that 
Col. Allen deserved execution ; but that po/- 
icy obliged them to spare his life, inasmuch 
as the iVmericans were in possession of the 
greatest number of prisoners ! " So that my 
being sent to England," says Col. Allen, '^for 
the purpose of being executed, and they be- 
ing restrained, by necessity, from the act, 
was rather a foil of their laws and authority ; 
and they, consequently, disapproved of my 
being sent there." The result of their delib- 
erations or the course of their policy, how- 
ever, never came to the knowledge of Col. 
Allen, until after his arrival in America. 

^'The reader will readily conceive," he ob- 
serves, "that I was anxious about my preser- 
vation, knowing that I was in the power of 
a haughty and cruel nation. Therefore, the 
first proposition which I determined in my 
own mind was, that humanity and moral sua- 
sion would not be consulted in the determin- 
ing of my fate ; and those that daily came in 
great numbers, out of curiosity to see me, 
both gentle and simple, united in this, that I 
would be hanged. A gentleman from Amer- 
ica, by the name of Temple, and who was 
friendly to me, just whispered me in the ear, 
11 



122 MEMOIR OP 

and told me that bets were laid in Loncten, 
that I would be executed ; he likewise pri- 
vately gave me a guinea, but durst say but 
little to me. 

"However, agreeable to my first negative 
proposition, that moral virtue would not in- 
fluence my destiny, I had recourse to strata- 
gem, which I was in hopes would move in 
the circle of their policy. I requested of the 
commander of the castle the privilege of wri- 
ting to Congress, who, after consulting with 
an officer that lived in town of a superior 
rank, permitted me to write. I wrote in the 
fore part of my letter, a short narrative of my 
ill treatment ; but withal let them know that, 
though I was treated as a criminal in Eng- 
land, and continued in irons, together with 
those taken with me, yet it was in conse- 
quence of the orders which the commander 
of the castle received from Gen. Carlton ; and, 
therefore, desired Congress to desist from 
matters of retaliation, till they should know 
the result of the government in England, re- 
specting their ill treatment towards me, and 
govern themselves accordingly, with a par- 
ticular request that if retaliation should be 
found necessary, it might be exercised not 
according to the smallness of my character 
in America, but in proportion to the import 
tance of the cause for which I suffered — This 
is, according to my present recollection, the 
substance of the letter, inscribed, "To ths lU 



COL, ETHAN ALLEI^. 123 

Imirious Conthiental Congress,''' This letter 
was written with a view That it sliould be sent 
to the ministry at London, rather than to 
Congress^ with a design to intimidate the 
haughty Enghsh Government, and screen my 
neck from the halter. 

"The next day, the officer, from whom I ob- 
tained license to write, came to see me, and 
frowned on me on account of the impudence 
of the letter, as he phrased it, and farther 
added, "Do you think that we are fools in 
England, and would send your letter to Con- 
gress, with instructions to retaliate on our 
own people ? I have sent your letter to Lord 
North." This gave me inv/ard satisfaction, 
although I carefully concealed it with a pre- 
tended resentment, for I found I had come 
Yankee over him, and that the letter had 
gone to the identical person I had designed 
it for* Nor do I know, to this day, but that 
it had the desired effect, though I have not 
heard any thing of the letter since. 

"My personal treatment by Lieut. Hamil^ 
ton, who commanded the castle, was very 
generous. He sent me every day a fme break- 
fast and dinner from his own table, and a bot- 
tle of good wine. Another aged gentleman, 
whose name I cannot recollect, sent me a 
good supper : But there was no distinction 
in public support between me and the pri- 
vates; we all lodged on a sort of Dutch 
bunks, in one common apartment, and were 



124 MEMOIR OF 

allowed straw. The privates were well sup- 
plied with fresh provisions, and with me, 
took eftectual measures to rid themselves of 
hce. 

"I could not but feel, inv/ardly, extremely 
anxious for my fate. This I, however, con- 
cealed from the prisoners, as well as from 
the enemy, who were perpetually shaking 
the halter at me. I, nevertheless, treated 
them with scorn and contempt : and, having 
sent my letter to the ministry, could conceive 
of nothing more in my power, but to keep 
up my spirits, behave in a daring, soldier- 
like manner, that 1 might exhibit a good sam- 
ple of American fortitude. Such conduct, 
I judged, would have a more probable tend- 
ency to my preservation than concession and 
timidity. This, therefore, was my deport- 
ment ; and I had lastly determined, in my 
own mind, that if a cruel death must inevita- 
bly be my portion, I would face it undaunted ; 
and tliough I greatly rejoice that I have re- 
turned to my country and friends, and to see 
the power and pride of Great Britain hum- 
bled ; yet I am confident I could then have 
died without the least appearance of dismay. 

"I now clearly recollect that my mind was 
so resolved, that I would not have trembled 
or shewn the least fear, as I was sensible it 
could not alter my fate, nor do more than re- 
proach my memory, make my last act despi- 
cable to my enemies, and eclipse the other 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 125 

actions of my life. For I reasoned thus, that 
nothing was more common than for men to 
die with their friends around them, weeping 
and lamenting over them, but not able to 
help them, which was, in reality, not differ- 
ent in the consequence of it, fi*om such a 
death as I was apprehensive of; and, as death 
was the natural consequence of animal life, 
to which the laws of nature subject mankind, 
to be timorous and uneasy as to the event or 
manner of it, was inconsistent with the char- 
acter of a philosopher or soldier. The cause 
I was engaged in, I ever viewed worthy haz- 
arding my life for ; nor was I, in the most 
critical moments of trouble, sorry that L en- 
gaged in it : And, as to the world of spirits, 
though I knew nothing of the mode or man- 
ner of it, I expected, nevertheless, when I 
should arrive at such a world, that I should 
be as well treated as other gentlemen of my 
merit. 

''Among the great numbers of people, who 
came to the castle to see the prisoners, some 
gentlemen told me, that they had come fifty 
miles on purpose to see me : and desired to 
ask me a number of questions, and to make 
free with me in conversation. I gave for my 
answer, that I chose freedom in every sense 
of the word : Then one of them asked me 
what my occupation in life had been ? I 
answered him, that in my younger days, I 
had studied divinity, but was a conjurer by 
II * 



126 MEMOIR OF 

profession. He replied, that I conjured 
wrong at the time I was taken ; and 1 was 
obhged to own, that I mistook a figiie at that 
time, but that I had conjured them out ofTi- 
conderoga. This was a place of great no- 
toriety in England, so that the joke seemed 
to go in my favor. 

"It was a common thing for me to be ta- 
ken out of close confinement, into a spacious 
green in the castle, or rather parade, where 
numbers of gentlemen and ladies were rea- 
dy to see and hear me. I often entertained 
such audiences v/ith harrangues on the im- 
practicabilit}' of Great Britain conquering 
then colonies of America. iVt one of these 
times, I asked a gentleman for a bowl of 
punch, and he ordered his servant to bring it, 
which he did, and offered it to me : but I re- 
fused to take it from the hand of his servant 
— he then gave it to me with his own hand, 
refusing to drink with me, in consequence of 
my bemg a state criminal : However, I took 
the punch and drank it all doAvn at one 
draught, and handed the gentleman the bowl. 
This made the spectators, as well as my- 
self, merry. 

"I expatiated on American freedom : This 
gained the resentment of a young beardless 
gentleman of the company, who gave him- 
self very great airs, and replied, that ho 
"knew the Americans very well, and was cer- 
tain that they could not bear the smell of 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN 127 

powder." I replied, that I accepted it as a 
challenge, and was ready to convince him on 
the spot, that an American could bear the 
smell of powder ; at which he answered that 
he should not put himself on a par with me. 
I then demanded of him to treat the charac- 
ter of the Americans with due respect. He 
answered that I was an Irishman ; but I as- 
sured him, that I v/as a full blooded Yankee : 
and, in line, bantered him so much, that he 
left me in possession of the ground, and the 
laugh went against him. Two clergymen 
came to see me, and, inasmuch as they be- 
haved with civihty, I returned them the 
same : We discoursed on several parts of 
moral philosophy and Christianity ; and they 
seemed to be surprised, that I should be ac- 
quainted with such topics, or that I should 
understand a syllogism, or regular mode of 
argumentation. I am apprehensive my Ca- 
nadian dress contributed not a little to the 
surprise, and excitement of curiosity. To 
see a gentleman in England, regularly dress- 
ed, and well behaved, would be no sight at 
all ; but such a rebel, as they were pleased 
to call me, it is probable, was never before 
Been in England. 

"The prisoners were landed at Falmouth, 
a few days before Christmas, and ordered on 
board the Solebay frigate, Capt. Symonds, 
the eighth day of January, 1776, when our 
hand irons were taken off. This remoi^e 



128 MESlom OF^ 

was in consequence, as I have been since in-^ 
formed, of a writ of habeas corpus, which 
had been procured by some gentlemen in 
England, in order to obtain me my liberty. 

"The Solebay, with sundry other men of 
war, and about forty transports, rendezvous- 
ed at the cove of Cork in Ireland^ to take in 
provisions and water. 

"When we were first brought on boards 
Capt. Symonds ordered all the prisoners, and 
most of the hands on board, to go on the 
deck, and caused to be read, in their hearing, 
a certain code of laws, or rules for the reg- 
ulation and ordering of their behavior ; and 
then, in a sovereign manner, ordered the 
prisoners, me in particular, off the deck, and 
never to come on it again ; for, said he, this 
is a place for gentlemen to walk. So I went 
off, an officer following me, who told me, 
that he would shew me the place allotted for 
me, and took me down to the cable tire, say- 
ing to me, "this is your place." 

"Prior to this, I had taken cold ; by which 
I was in an ill state of health, and did not 
say much to the officer ; but stayed there 
that night — consulted my policy, and found 
I was in an evil case ; that a Captain of a 
man of war was more arbitrary than a King, 
as he could view his territory with a look of 
his eye, and a movement of his finger com- 
manded obedience. I felt myself more de- 
sponding than I had at any time before ; for 



\ 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 129 

I concluded it to be a governmental scheme, 
to do that, clandestinely, which policy for- 
bid to be done under sanction of pubhc jus- 
tice and law. 

"However, two days after, I shaved and 
cleansed myself as well as I could, and went 
on deck. The Captain spoke to me in a 
great rage, and said, ''Did I not order you 
not to come on deck ?" I answered him, 
that at the same time he said, "That it was 
the place for gentlemen to walk ; that I was 
Col. Allen, but had not been properly intro- 
duced to him. " He rephed, "G-d damn you, 
sir, be careful not to walk the same side of 
the deck that I do." This gave me encour- 
agement, and ever after that, I walked in the 
manner he had directed, except when he, at 
certain times afterwards, ordered me off in a 
passion, and I then would directly afterwards 
go on again, telhng him to command his 
slaves ; that I was a gentleman, and had a 
right to walk the deck ; yet when he express- 
ly ordered me off, I obeyed, not out of obe- 
dience to him, but to set an example to his 
ship's crew, who ought to obey him. 

"To walk to the windward side of the deck 
is, according to custom, the prerogative of 
the Captain of the man of war, though he, 
oftentimes, nay commonly, walks with his 
Lieutenants, when no strangers are by : 
When a Captain of some other man of war, 
conxeson board, the Captains walk to the 



130 fttEMom OF 

windward side, and the other gentlemen to 
the leeward. 

"It was but a few nights I lodged in the ca- 
ble tire, before I gained an acquaintance 
with the master of arms : his name was Gil- 
legan, an Irishman^ who was a generous and 
well disposed man, and, in a friendly manner, 
made me an offer of living with him in a lit- 
tle berth, which was allotted him between 
decks, and enclosed with canvass ; his pre- 
ferment on board was about equal to that of 
sergeant in a regiment. I was comparative-^ 
ly happy, in the acceptance of this clemen- 
cy, and lived with him in friendship, till the 
frigate anchored in the harbor of Cape Fear^ 
North Carolina, in America. 

"Nothing of material consequence hap-^ 
pened, while the fleet rendezvoused at the cove 
of Cork, except a violent storm, which 
brought old hardy sailors to their prayers.- 
It was rumoured in Cork that I was on board 
the Solebay, with a number of prisoners from 
America ; upon which Messrs. Clark and 
Hays, merchants in company, and a number 
of other benevolently disposed gentlemen, 
contributed largely to the relief and support 
of the prisoners, who were thirty four in num- 
ber, and in very needy circumstances. A suit 
of clothes, from head to foot, including an 
over coat, or surtout, and two shirts, were 
bestowed on each of them. My suit I re- 
ceived in superfine broad cloths, sufficient for 



,GOI*. ETHAN ALLEIf, 131 

two jaekets, and two pairs of breeches, over- 
plus of a suit throughout, eight fine Holhmd 
shirts and stocks ready made, with a number 
of pairs of silk and worsted hose, tsvo pair 
shoes, two beaver hats, one of which was 
sent me richly laced with gold, by Mr. James 
Bon well. The Irish gentlemen furthermore 
made a large gratuity of wines, of the best 
sort, old spirits, Geneva, loaf and brown su- 
gar, coffee, tea and chocolate, with a large 
round of pickled beef, and a number of fat 
turkies, with many other articles, for my sea 
stores, too tedious to mention here. To the 
privates they bestowed on each man, two 
pounds of tea, and six pounds of brown su- 
gar. These articles were received on board, 
at a time when the Captain and first Lieu- 
tenant were gone on shore, by permission of 
the second Lieutenant, a handsome young 
gentleman, who was then under twenty tvio 
years of age ; his name was Douglass, tlie 
son of Admiral Douglass, as I was informed. 
'^As this munificence was so unexpected 
and plentiful, I may add needful, it impressed 
on my mind the highest sense of gratitude 
towards my benefactors ; for I v^ as not only 
supphed with the necessaries and conven- 
iences of life, but with the grandeur and su- 
perfluities of it. Mr. Hays, one of the do- 
nors before mentioned, came on board, and 
behaved in the most obhging manner, telling 
me, that he hoped my troubles wer© past; 



132 MEMOIR OP 

for that the gentlemen of Cork determined 
to make my sea-stores equal to those of the 
Captain of the Solebay ; he made an offer 
of live stock and wherewith to support them ; 
but I knew this would be denied : And to 
erown all, did send to me by another person, 
fifty guineas ; but I could not reconcile re- 
ceiving the whole, to my own feehngs, as it 
might have the appearance of avarice ; and. 
therefore, received seven only ; and am con- 
fident, not only from the exercise of the pre- 
sent well timed generosity, but from a large 
acquaintance with gentlemen of this nation, 
that as a people they excel in liberality and 
bravery. 

"Two days after the receipt of the afore- 
said donations,Capt. Symonds came on board, 
full of envy towards the prisoners, and swore 
by all that is good, that the d — d Ameri- 
can rebels should not be feasted at this rate, 
by the d — d rebels of Ireland ; he, there- 
fore, took away all my liquors before men- 
tioned, except some of the wine which was 
secreted, and a two gallon jug of old spirits, 
which was reserved for me, per favor of 
Lieutenant Douglass. The taking of my 
liquors was abominable in his sight; he, 
therefore, spoke in my behalf, till the Captain 
was angry with him; and, in consequence, 
proceeded and took away all the tea and su- 
gar, which had been given to the prisoners, 
and confiscated it to the use of the ship's 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN^ 135 

crew. Our clothing was not taken away, but 
the privates were forced to do duty on board. 
Soon after this there came a boat to the side 
of the ship, and Capt. Symonds asked a gen- 
tleman who was in it, in my hearing, what 
his business was ? who answered that he 
was sent to dehver some sea-stores to Col. 
Allen, which, if I remember right, he said 
were sent from Dublin ; but the Captain 
damned him heartily, ordered him away from 
the ship, and would not suffer him to deliver 
the stores. I was furthermore informed that 
the gentlemen in Cork requested of Capt. 
Symonds, that I might be allowed to come 
into the city, and that they would be respon- 
sible I should return to the frigate at a given 
time, which was denied them. 

"We sailed from England the 8th day of 
January, and from the cove of Cork the 12th 
day of February. Just before we sailed, the 
prisoners with me were divided, and put on 
board three different ships of war. This 
gave me some uneasiness, for they were to a 
man zealous in the cause of liberty, and be- 
haved with a becoming fortitude in the va- 
rious scenes of their captivity ; but those, 
who were distributed on board other ships 
of war, were much better used than those 
who tarried with me, as appeared afterwards. 
When the fleet, consisting, of about forty 
five sail, including five men of war, sailed 
from the cove with a fresh breeze, the ap- 

12 



134 MEMOIR OP 

pearance was beautiful, abstracted from the 
unjust and bloody designs they had in view. 
We had not sailed many days, before a 
mighty storm arose, which lasted near twen- 
ty fo u r h o n r s w i t b o u t i n t e r m i s s i o n : The 
wind blew vvith relentless fury, and no man 
could remain on deck, except he was lashed 
fast, for the waves rolled over the deck by 
turns, with a forcible rapidity, and every soul 
on board v^'as anxious for the preservation of 
the ship, and their lives. In this storm, the 
Thunder-bomb man of war sprang a leak, 
and was afterwards floated to some part of 
the coast of E'ngland, and the crew saved. 
We v;ero ti]cn said to be in the bay of Bis- 
cay. After the storm abated, I could plainly 
discern that the prisoners were better used 
for some considerable time. 

"Nothing of conse(|ueBco happened after 
this, till w^e had sailed to the island of Ma- 
deira, except a certain favor which I receiv- 
ed of Capt. Symonds, in consequence of an 
application 1 made to him., for the privilege 
of his tailor to make me a suit of clothes of 
the cloth bestowed on me in Ireland, which 
he generously granted. I could then walk 
the deck with a seeming better grace. When 
we had reached Madeira, and anchored, 
sundry gentlemen with the Captain, went on 
shore, who, I conclude, gave the rumor that 
I was in tlie frigate ; upon which I scon after 
found Irish generosity was again excited ; 



60L. ETPIAN ALLEN. 135 

for a gentleman of the nation sent his clerk 
on board, to know of me if i would accept a 
sea-store from him, particularly of wine. — 
This matter I made known to the generous 
Lieut. Douglass, who readily granted me the 
favor, provided the articles could be brought 
on board, during the time of his command ; 
adding that it would be a pleasure to him to 
serve me, notwithstanding the opposition he 
met with before : So I directed the gentle- 
man's clerk to inform him, that i was greatly 
in need of so signal a charity, and desired 
the young gentleman to make the utmost dis- 
patch, which he did; but, in the mean time, 
Capt. Symonds and his officers came on 
board, and immediately made ready for sail- 
ing; the wind at the same time being fair, 
we set sail, when the young gentleman was 
in fair sight with the aforesaid store. 

"The reader will doubtless recollect the 
seven guineas I received at the cove of Cork : 
These enabled me to purchase of the purs- 
er what I wanted, had not the Captain strict- 
ly forbidden it, though I made sundry appli- 
cations to him for that purpose ; but his an- 
swer to me, when I was sick, was, that it was 
no matter how soon I was dead, and that he 
was nowise anxious to preserve the lives of 
rebels, but wished them ah dead ; and, in« 
deed, that was the language of most of the 
ship's crew. I expostulated not only with 
the Captain, but with other gentlemen on 



136 MEMOIR OF 

board, cm^the unreasonableness of sucl;i us^ 
age ; inferring that, inasmuch as th,e gov- 
ernment in England did not proceed against 
me as a capital offender, they should not ; 
for that they were by no means empowered 
by any authority, either civil or militar]^, to 
do so ; for the English government had ac- 
quitted me by sending me back a prisoner of 
war to America, and that they should treat 
me as such. I farther drew an inference of 
impolicy on them, provided they should, by 
hard usage, destroy my life ; inasmuch as I 
might, if living, redeem one of their officers ; 
but the Captain replied, that he needed no 
directions of mine, how to treat a rebel ; 
that the British would conquer the American 
rebels, hang the Congress, and such as pro- 
moted the rebellion, me in particular, and re- 
take their own prisoners ; so that my life was 
of no consequence in the scale of their poli- 
cy. I gave him for answer, that if they stay- 
ed till they conquered America, before they 
hanged me, / should die of old oge^ and desired 
that till such an event should take place, he 
would at least allow me to purchase of the 
purser, for my own money, such articles as I 
greatly needed; but he would not permit it ; 
and when I reminded him of the generous 
and civil usage that their prisoners in captiv- 
ity met with, he said that it was not owing 
to their goodness, but to their timidity ; for, 
said he, they expect to be conquered, and 



cox. ETHAN ALLEX. 137 

therefore dare not misuse our prisoners ; and 
in fact this was the language of the British 
officers, till Gen. Burgoyne was taken ;* 
happy event ! and not only of the officers, 
but of the whole British army. I appeal to 
all my brother prisoners, who have been with 
the British in the southern department, for a 
conffi'mation of what I have advanced on 
this subject. The surgeon of the Solebay, 
whose name was North, was a very humane, 

* It was the plan of the British Generals, to push 
a body of troops from New York, to join Gen. 13 ur- 
goyne at Albany, and by establishing a line of Bri- 
tish posts on the Hudsorj, to intercept the inter- 
course between the New England and southern 
states. While Gen. Burgoyne was attempting to 
advance towards Albany, Gen. Clinton with a force 
of three thousand men, took possession of Fort 
Montgomery, after severe loss. Gen. Vaughan, 
with a body of troops, on board of armed ships, 
sailed up tlie Hudson, as far as Livingston's Manor, 
where be landed a party, burnt a Jarge house be- 
longing to one of the family ; then sent a party to 
the opposite shore, and laid in ashes the town of 
Kingston, But Gen. Burgoyne, despairing of the 
junction between his army and the division from 
New York, surrounded by a superior aimy, and 
unable to retreat, consented to capitulate, and on 
the 17th of October surrendered to the American 
General. The detachment under Gen. Vaughan 
returned to New York, and the plan of the British 
commanders was totally frustrated. 

Webster^s Elements, 
12 * 



138 MEMOIR OP 

obliging man, and took the best care of the 
prisoners who were sick. 

''The third day of May, we cast anchor in 
the harbor of Cape Fear,^ in North Caroli- 
na, as did Sir Peter Parker's ship of fifty 
guns, a little back of the bar ; for there was 
no depth of water for him to come into the 
harbor : These two men of war, and four- 
teen sail of transports and others, came after, 
so that most of the fleet rendezvoused at 
cape Fear for three weeks. The soldiers on 
board the transports v/ere sickly, in conse- 
quence of so long a passage ; add to this, 
the small pox carried off many of them : — 
They landed on the main, and formed a camp; 
but the riflemen annoyed them, and caused 
them to move to an island in the harbor ; but 
such cursing of riflemen I never heard. 

"A detachment of regulars Avas sent up 
Brunswick river ; as they landed, they were 
fired on by those marksmen, and they camxC 

* Cape Fear is the southern point of Smith's Isl- 
and, which divides the mouth of Cape Fear river 
into two channels, on the coast of North Carolina ; 
S. W. of Cape Look Out, and remaikable for a 
dangerous shoal called the Frying Pan, from its 
form, A light house stands at the mouth of the 
liver. It bears W. N. VV. from the point of the 
Cape, four miles distant. Near this cape is John- 
son's Fort, in Brunswick county, and district of 
Wilmington. North latitude 33, 32- west longi- 
tude 78, 25 

Morsels Gazetteer, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 139 

back next day, damning the rebels for their 
unmanly way of fighting, and swearing that 
they would give no quarter, for they took 
sight at them, and were behind timber, skulk- 
ing about. One of the detachments said they 
lost one man ; but a negro man, who was 
with them, and heard what was said, soon 
after, told me that he helped to bury thirty- 
one of them : This did me some good to 
iind my countrymen giving them battle ; for 
I never heard such swaggering as among 
Oen. Chnton's little army, who commanded 
at that time; and I am apt to think there 
were four thousand men, though not two 
thirds of them fit for duty. I heard numbers 
of them say, that the trees in America should 
hang well with fruit that campaign, for they 
would give no quarter : This was in the 
mouths of most who I heard speak on the 
subject, ofiicer as well as soldier. I washed 
at that time, my countrymen knew, as well as 
I did, what a murdering and cruel enemy 
they had to deal with ; but experience has 
since taught this country, what they are to 
expect at the hands of Britons, when in their 
power. 

"The prisoners, who had been sent on 
board different men of w ar, at the cove of 
Cork, were collected together, and the whola 
of them put on board the Mercury frigate, 
Capt. Montague, except one of the Canadi- 
an!, who died on the passage from Ireland^ 



140 MEMOIR OF 

and Peter Noble, wfio made bis escape from 
the Spbynx man of war, in this harbor, and, 
by extraordinary swimming, got safe home 
to NewEnglands and gave intelhgence of the 
usage of his brother prisoners. The Mer- 
cury set sail from this port for Halifax, about 
the 20th of May, and Sir Peter Parker was 
about to sail with the land forces, under the 
command of Geuv Clinton, for the reduction of 
Charleston, in South Carolina, and when I 
heard of his defeat in Hahfax, it gave me in- 
expressible satisfaction. 

"I now found my self under a worse Captain 
than Symonds; for Montague was loaded 
with prejudices against every body, and ev- 
ery thing that was not stamped with royalty; 
and, being by nature underwitted, his w^ath 
was heavier than the others, or at least his 
mind was in no instance liable to be divert- 
ed by good sense, humour or bravery, of 
which Symonds was, by turns, susceptible. 
A Capt. Frances Proctor was added to our 
number of prisoners, when we w^ere first put 
on board this ship : This gentleman had 
formerly belonged to the English service. — 
The Captain, and, in fine, all the gentlemen 
of tlio ship, were very much incensed against 
him, and put him in irons without the least 
provocation, and he Was continued in this 
miserable situation about three months. In 
this passage, the prisoners were infected with 
the scurvy, some more and some less, but 



COL, £THAN AtLEJf. 141 

most of them severely. The ship's crew was 
to a great degree troubled \tith it, and I con- 
dluded it was catching : Several of the crew 
died with it on their passage. I was weak and 
feeble in consequence of so long and cruel a 
captivity, yet had but little of the scurvy. 

^The purser was again expressly forbid by 
the Captain to let me have any thing out of 
his store ; upon which I went on deck, and, 
in the handsomest manner, requested the fa- 
vor of purchasing a few necessaries of the 
purser, which was denied me ; he farther told 
me, that I should be hanged as soon as I ar- 
rived at Halifax. I tried to reason the mat- 
ter with him, but found him proof against rea- 
son ; I also held up his honor to view, and 
his behavior to me and the prisoners in gen- 
eral, as being derogatory to it, but found his 
honor impenetrable. I then endeavored to 
touch his humanity, but found he had none; 
for his prepossession of bigotry to his owti 
party, had confirmed him in an opinion, that 
no humanity was due to unroyalists, but 
seemed to think that heaven and earth were 
made merely to gratify the King and his crea- 
tures. He uttered many unintelligible and 
grovelling ideas, a little tinctured with Mon- 
ajchy, but stood well to his text of hanging 
me. He afterwards forbade his surgeon to 
administer any help to the sick prisoners. I 
was every night shut down in the cable tire, 
with the rest of the prisoners^ and we all liv- 



142 MEMOIR OP" 

ed miserably while under his power : But t 
received some generosity from several of the 
midshipmen, who, in a degree, alleviated my 
misery ; one of their names was Putrass — 
tlie names of the others I do not recollect ; 
but they were obliged to be private in the be- 
stowment of their favor, which was some- 
times good wine bitters, and at others, a gen- 
erous drink of grog. 

"Some time in the first week of June, we 
came to anchor at the Hook off New York, 
vdiere we remained but three days ; in which 
time Gov. Tryon, Mr. Kemp, the old attorney 
general of New York, and several other per- 
fidious and over-grown tm-ies and land-job- 
bers, came on board. Tryon viewed me with 
a stern countenance, as 1 was walking on the 
leeward side of the deck, with the midship- 
men ; and he and his companions were walk- 
ing with the Captain and Lieutenant, on the 
windward side of the same, but never spoke 
to me, though it is altogether probable that 
he thought of the old quarrel between him,, 
the old government of New- York and the 
Green Mountain Boys r They went with the 
Captain into the cabin, and the same after- 
noon returned on board a vessel which lay 
near the Hook, ¥/here, at that time, they took 
sanctuary from the resentment of their in- 
jured country. What passed between the of- 
ficers of the ship and these visitors, I know 
not ; but this I know, that my treatment from 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 143 

the principal officers was more severe aftejr- 
wards. 

"^We arrived at Halifax not far from tite 
middle of June, where the ship's crew, which 
was infected with the scurvy, were taken on 
shore, and shallow trenches dug, into which 
they were put, and partly covered with earth. 
Indeed every proper measure was taken for 
their relief: The prisoners vv^ere not permit- 
ted any sort of medicine, but Vv^ere put on 
board a sloop which lay in the harbor, near 
the town of Halifax, surrounded with sever- 
al men of war and their tenders, and a guard 
constantly set over them, night and day. — 
The sloop we had wholly to ourselves, ex- 
cept the guard, v/ho occupied the forecastle ; 
here we were cruelly pinched with hunger ; 
it seemed to me that we had not more than 
one third of the common allowance : We 
were all seized with violent hunger and faint- 
-ness ; we divided our scanty allowance as 
exact as possible. I shared the same fato 
with the rest ; and, though they ofiered me 
more than an even share, I refused to accept 
it, as it was a time of substantial distress, 
which, in my opinion, I ought to partake 
equally with the rest, and set an example of 
virtue and fortitude to our little commonr- 
wealth. 

'^i sent letter after letter to C apt. Montague, 
who still had the care of us, and also to his 
Lieutenant, whose name I cannot call to 



144 MEMQIR PF 

mind, but could obtain no answer^ much hss 
a redress of grievances ; and, to add to tile 
calamity, near g, dozen of the prisoners wefa 
dangerously ill of the scurvy. I wrote private 
letters to the doctors, to procure, if possibly 
some remedy for the sick, but in vain. Tte 
chief physician came by in a boat, so clo^ 
that the oars touched the sloop we were tn, 
and I uttered my complaint in the genteelest 
manner to him, but he never so much as turn- 
ed his head, or made me any answer, though 
I continued speaking till he was out of hear- 
ing. Our cause then become very deplora- 
ble. Still I kept writing to the Captain, till 
be ordered the guards, as they told me, not 
to bring any more letters from me to him. In 
the mean time, an event happened worth re- 
lating : One of the men, almost dead of 
the scurvy, lay by the side of the sloop, and, 
a canoe of Indians coming by, he purchased 
two quarts of strawberries, and ate them at 
once, and it almost cured him. The money 
he gave for them, w^as all the money he had 
in the world. After that we tried every way 
to procure more of that fruit, reasoning from 
analogy that they might have the same effect 
on others infected with the same disease, 
but could obtain none. 

"Meanwhile the Doctor's mate of the Mer- 
cury, came privately on board the prison 
sloop, and presented me with a large vial of 
smart drops, which proved to be good for tha 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 145 

scurvy, though vegetables and some other 
ingredients were requisite for a cure ; but the 
drops gave at least a check to the disease. 
This was a well-timed exertion of humanity, 
but the doctor's name has slipped my mind, 
and in my opinion, it was the means of sav- 
ing the lives of several men. 

''The guard, which was set over us, was 
by this time touched with the feelings of 
compassion ; and I finally trusted one of 
them with a letter of complaint to Gov. Ar- 
buthnot, of Halifax, which he found means 
to communicate, and w^hich had the desired 
effect ; for the Governor sent an officer and 
surgeon on board the prison sloop, to know 
the truth of the complaint. The officer's 
name was RusseL, and held the rank of Lieu- 
tenant, and treated me in a friendly and po- 
lite manner, and was really angry at the cru- 
el and unmanly usage the prisoners met with ; 
and, with the surgeon, made a true report of 
matters to Gov. Arbuthnot, who, either by 
his order or influence, took us next day from 
the prison sloop to Hahfax gaol, where I first 
became acquainted with the now Hon. James 
Lovel, one of the members of Congress, for 
the state of Massachusetts-Bay. The sick 
were taken to the hospital, and the Canadi- 
ans, who were effective, were employed in 
the King's works ; and when their country- 
men were recovered from the scurvy ana 
joined them, they all deserted the King's em- 
13 



146 MEMOIR OF 

ploy, and were not heard of at Halifax, as 
long as the remainder of the prisoners con- 
tinued there, which was till near the middle 
of October. We were on board the prison- 
sloop about six weeks, and were landed at 
Halifax near the middle of August. Several 
of our English American prisoners, who were 
cured of the scurvy at the hospital, made 
their escape from thence, and after a long 
time, reached their old habitations. 

•'I had now but thirteen with me, of those 
who were taken in Canada, and remained 
in gaol with me in Halifax, who, in addition 
to those tliat were imprisoned before, made 
our number about thirty four, who were all 
locked up in one common large room, with- 
out regard to rank, education, or any other 
accomplishment, where we continued from 
the setting to the rising sun ; and, as sundry 
of them were infected with the gaol and oth- 
er distempers, the furniture of this spacious 
room consisted principally of excrement tubs. 
We petitioned for a removal of the sick into 
the hospitals, but were denied. We remon- 
strated against the ungenerous usage of be- 
ing confined with the privates, as being con- 
trary to the laws and customs of nations, 
and particularly ungrateful in them, in conse- 
quence of the gentleman-like usage which 
the British imprisoned officers met with in 
America ; and thus we wearied ourselves, 
petitioning and remonstrating, but to no pur- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN 



147 



pose at all . for General Massey, \^bo com- 
manded at Halifax, was as inflexible as the 
d — 1 himself; a fine preparative this, for 
Mr. Lovel, member of the Continental Con- 
gress. 

"Lieut. Riissel, vhom I have mentioiiod 
before, came to visit me in prison, and assur- 
ed me that he had done his utmost to pro- 
cure my parole for enlargement; at which a 
British Captain, who was then the tovnu-ma- 
jor, expressed compassion for the gentlemen 
confined in the filthy place, and assured mo 
that he had used his influence to procure 
their enlargement ; his name was near like 
Ramsay. Among the prisoners there were 
five in number, who had a legal claim to a 
parole, viz : James' Lovel, Esq,, C apt. Fran- 
cis Proctor, a Mr. Howland, master of a 
Continental armed vessel, a Mr. Taylor, his 
mate, and myself 

"As to the article of provision, we were 
well served, much better than in any part of my 
captivity ; and, since it was Mr. LovePs mis- 
I fortune and mine, to be prisoners, and in so 
j wretched circumstances, I v/as happy that 
I we were together, as a mutual support to 
each other, and to the unfortunate prisoners 
with us. Our first attention was the preser- 
I vation of ourselves and injured little repub- 
lic ; the rest of our time we devoted inter- 
changeably to politics and philosophy, as pa- 
j tience was a needful exercise in so evil a sit- 



148 MEMOIR OF 

uatioii, but contentment mean and impracti- 
cable. 

''I had not been in this gaol many days, be- 
fore a worthy and charitable woman, Mrs. 
Blacden, by name, supplied me with a good 
dinner of fresh meats every day, with garden 
fruit, and sometimes with a bottle of wine ; 
notwithstanding which, I had not been more 
than three weeks in the place, before I lost 
all appetite to the most delicious food, as al- 
so did sundry of the prisoners, particularly a 
sergeant Moore, a man of courage and fidel- 
ity : I have several times seen him hold the 
boatswain of the Solebay frigate, when he 
attempted to strike him, and laughed him out 
of conceit of using him as a slave. 

"A doctor visited the sick, and did the best 
as 1 suppose, he could for them, to no appa- 
rent purpose. I grew weaker and weaker, as 
did the rest. Several of them could not help 
themselves. At last I reasoned in my own 
mind, that raw onions would be good : ! 
made use of it, and found immediate relief 
by it, as did the sick in general, particularly 
sergeant Moore, whom it recovered almost 
from the shades. Though I had met with a 
little revival, stili I found the malignant hand 
of Britain had greatly reduced my constitu- 
tion with stroke upon stroke. Esquire Lov- 
el and myself used every argument and en- 
treaty that could be well conceived of, in or- 
der to obtain gentleman-like usage, to no pur- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 149 

pose. I then wrote Gen. Massey as severe 
a letter as I possibly could, with my friend 
LovePs assistance : The contents of it were 
to give the British, as a nation, and him as an 
individual, their true character. This rous- 
ed the rascal, for he could not bear to see 
his and the nation's deformity in that trans- 
parent letter, which I sent him ; he, therefore, 
put himself in a great rage about it, and 
shewed the letter to a number of British of- 
ficers, particularly to Capt. Smith, of the Lark 
frigate, who, instead of joining with him in 
disapprobation, commended the spirit of it ; 
upon which Gen. Massey said to him, "do you 
take the part of a rebel against me ?'^ Capt, 
Smith answered, that he rather spoke his 
sentiments, and there was a dissension in 
opinion. between them. Some officers took 
the part of the General, and others of the 
Captain : This I was informed of by a; gen- 
tleman who had it from Capt. Smith. 

"In a few days after this, the prisoners were 
ordered to go on board of a man of war, 
which was bound for New York ; but two of 
them were not able to go on board, and were 
left at Halifax ; one died, and the other re-^ 
covered. This was about the 20th of Octo- 
ber, and soon after we had got on board, the 
Captain sent for me in particular, to come on 
the quarter deck : I went, not knowing that 
it was Capt. Smith, or his ship at that time, 
and expected to meet the same rigorous us- 

13* 



150 MEMOIR OF 

age I had commonly met with, and prepared 
my mind accordingly; but when I came on 
deck, the Captain met me with his hand, wel- 
comed me to his ship, invited me to dine 
with him that day, and assured me that I 
should be treated as a gentleman, and that 
he had given orders, that I should be treated 
with respect by the ship's crew. This was so 
unexpected and sudden a transition, that it 
drew tears from my eyes, which all the ill us- 
age 1 had before met with, was not able to 
produce, nor could I at first hardly speak, but 
soon recovered myself and expressed my 
gratitude for so unexpected a favor ; and let 
him know that I felt anxiety of mind in re- 
flecting that his situation and mine was such, 
that it was not probable that it would ever 
be in my power to return the favor. Capt. 
vSmith rephed, that he had no reward in view, 
but only treated me as a gentleman ought to 
be treated; he said "this is a mutable world, 
and one gentleman never knows but that it 
may be in his power to help another." Soon 
after,! found this to be the same Capt. Smith 
who took my part against Gen. Massey ; but 
he never mentioned any thing of it to me, and 
I though it impolite in me to interrogate him, 
as to any disputes which might have arisen 
between him and the General on my account, 
g^ I was a prisoner, and that it was at his 
option to make free with me on the subject, 
if ho pleased; and, if he did not, I might 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 151 

take it for granted that it would be unpleas- 
ant for me to query about it, though I had a 
strong propensity to converse with him on 
that subject. 

"I dined with the Captain agreeable to his 
invitation, and oftentimes with the Lieuten- 
ant, in the gun room, but in general ate and 
drank with my friend Love) and the other 
gentlf^men, who were prisoners with me, 
where I also slept. 

"We had a little berth enclosed with can- 
vass, between decks, where we enjoyed our- 
selves very vvell, in hopes of an exchange ; 
besides, our friends at Halifax, had a little 
notice of our departure, and supplf'^d us with 
spirituous liquor, and many articles of pro- 
vision for the cost. Capt. Burk, having been 
taken prisoner, was added to our company^ 
(he had commanded an American armed ves- 
sel) and was generously treated by the Cap- 
tain, and all the officers of the ship, as well 
a3 myself. We now had in all, near thirty 
prisoners on board, and as we were sailing 
along the coast, if I recollect right, off Rhode 
Island, Capt. Burke, with an under officer of 
the ship, whose name I do not recollect, came 
to our little berth, proposed to kill Captain 
Smith and the principal officers of the frig- 
ate and take it ; adding that there were thir* 
gfive thousand pounds sterling in the same, 
aptain Burke likewise averred that a strong 
party out of the ship's crew was in the con* 



152 MEMOIR OF 

spiracy, and urged me, and the gentleman 
that was with me, to use our influence with 
the private prisoners to- execute the design, 
and take the ship with the cash into one of 
our own ports. 

"Upon which I rephed, that we had been 
too well used on board, to murder the officers 
— that I could by no means reconcile it to my 
conscience^ and that in fact it should not be 
done ; and, ' while I was yet speaking, my 
friend Lovel confirmed what I had said, and 
farther pointed out the ungratefulness of such 
an act ; that it did not fall short of murder ; 
and in fine, all the gentlemen in the berth op- 
posed Capt. Burk and his colleague : But 
they strenuously urged that the conspiracy 
would be found out, and that it would cost 
them their lives, provided they did not exe- 
cute their design. I then interposed spirit- 
edly, and put an end to farther argument on 
the subject, and told them that they might 
depend upon it, upon my honor, that I would 
faithfully guard Capt. Smith's life : If they 
should attempt the assault, I would assist 
him, for they desired me to remain neutral ; 
.and that the same honor that guarded Capt. 
Smith's fife, would guard theirs ; and it was 
.agreed by those present, not to reveal the 
conspiracy, to the intent that no man should 
he put to death, in consequence of what had 
t)een projected; and Capt. Burk and his coir 
league went to stifle the matter among tli^ir 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 



153 



associates. I could not help calling to mind 
what Capt. Smith said to me, when I first 
came on board : "This is a mutable world, 
and one gentleman never knov\ s but that it 
may be in his power to help another.*' Capt. 
Smith and his officers still behaved with their 
usual courtesy, and I never heard anymore 
af the conspiracy." 

The vessel arrived before New York, and 
cast anchor, the latter part of October; and 
during the period of its stay, which was on- 
ly a few days, Capt. Smith informed Col. Al- 
len, that he had recommended him to Admi- 
ral Howe and Gen. Sir Wilham Howe, as a 
gentleman of honor and veracity; and desir- 
ed they might treat him as such. Capt. Burk 
was ordered on board a prison ship in the 
harbor ; and Col. Allen, with the other pris- 
oners, to a transport ship, commanded by 
Capt. Craige, who received him into the cab- 
in with himself and officers. "I fared," says 
the Colonel, "as they did, and was, in every 
respect, well treated, in consequence of di- 
rections from Capt. Smith. In a few weeks 
after this, I had the happiness to part with 
my friend Lovel, for his sake, whom the ene- 
my affected to treat as a private ; he was a 
gentleman of merit, and liberally educated, 
but had no commission ; they maligned him 
on account of his unshaken attachment to 
the cause of his country. He was exchang- 
ed for a Gov. Phillip Skene, of the British. 



154 MEMOIR OF 

I was continued in this ship till the latter part 
of November, where I contracted an ac- 
quaintance with a Captain of the British ; his 
name has slipped my memory. He was what 
we may call a genteel, hearty fellow. I re- 
member an expression of his over a bottle 
of wine, to this import : "That there is 
greatness of soul for personal friendship to 
subsist between you and me, as we are upon 
opposite sides, and may, at an other day, be 
obliged to face each other in the field." I 
am confident that he was as faithful as any 
officer in the British army. At another sit- 
ting he offered to bet a dozen of wine, that 
Fort Washington would be in the hands of 
the British in three days. I stood the bet, 
and would, had! known that that would have 
been the case, and the third day afterwards, 
we heard a prodigious heavy cannonade, and 
that day the fort was taken, sure enough. — 
Some months after, when I was on parole, he 
called upon me with his usual humour, and 
mentioned the bet. I acknowledged I had 
lost it, but he said he did not mean to take it 
then, as I was a prisoner ; that he would, an- 
other day, call on me, when their army came 
to Bennington. I replied, that he was quite 
too generous, as I had fairly lost it : besides, 
the Green Mountain Boys would not sutler 
them to come to Bennington. This was all 
in good humor. I should have been glad to 
have seen liim after the defeat at Benning- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 155 

ton, but did not. It was customary for a 
guard to attend the prisoners, which was oft- 
en changed. One was composed of tories, 
from Connecticut, in the vicinity of Fairfield 
and Green Farms. The sergeant's name was 
Hoit. They u ere very full of their invec- 
tives against the country, swaggered of their 
loyalty to their King, and exclaimed bitterly 
against the "cowardly yankees,*' as they were 
pleased to term them, but finally contented 
themselves with saying that, when the coun- 
try was overcome, they should be well re- 
warded for their loyalty, out of the estates of 
the vvhigs, v/hich would be confiscated. This 
I found to be the general language of tories, 
after I arrived from England on the American 
coast. I heard sundry of them relate, that 
the British Generals had engaged them an 
ample rev\ ard for all their losses, disappoint- 
ments and expenditures, out of the forfeited 
rebels' estates. This language early taught 
me what to do with tories' estates, as far as 
my influence can go. For it is really a 
game of hazard between whig and tory. — 
The whigs must inevitably have lost all, in 
consequence of the abilities of the tories, 
and their good friends, the British ; and it is 
no more than right the tories should run the 
same risk, in consequence of the abilities of 
the whigs : But of this, more will be ob- 
served in the sequel of this narrative. 

"Some of the last days of November, th^ 



156 MEMOIR OF 

prisoners were landed at New York, and I 
was admitted to parole, with the other offi- 
cers, viz: Procter, Howland and Taylor. — 
The privates v\ ere put into the filthy church- 
es in New York, with the distressed prisoners 
that were taken at Fort Washington; and 
the second night, sergeant Roger Moore, 
who was bold and enterprising, found means 
to make his escape, v\ ith every of the re- 
maining prisoners that v^ere taken with mo, 
except three, who were soon after exchang- 
ed : So that, out of thirty on^ prisoners, 
who w^ent with me the round exhibited in 
these sheets, two only died with the enemy, 
and three only were exchanged; one of 
whom died after he came within our lines ; 
all the rest, at difierent times, made their es- 
cape from the enemy. 
"I now found m.yself on parole, and restrict- 
ed to the liniits of the city of New York, 
where I soon projected means to live in some 
measure agreeable to my rank, though I was 
destitute of cash. My constitution was al- 
most worn out by such a long and barbarous 
captivity. The enemy gave out that I was 
crazy, and wholly unmanned; but my vitals 
held sound, nor was I delirious any more than 
I have been from my youth up ; but my ex- 
treme circumstances, at certain times, ren- 
dered it politic to act, in some measure, the 
madman; and, in consequence of a regular 
diet and exercise, my blood recruited, and 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 157 

my nerves in a great measure recovered their 
former tone, strength and usefulness, in the 
course of six months. 

"I next invite the reader to a retrospective 
gio^ht and consideration of the doleful scene 
of inhumanity, exercised by Gen. Sir WilUani 
Howe, and the army under his command, to- 
wards the prisoners taken on Long Island, 
; on the 27th day of August, 1776- ; sundry of 
whom, were, in an inhuman and barbarous 
manner, murdered after they had surrender- 
ed their arms ; particularly a Gen. Odel, or 
Woodhull, of the militia, who was hacked to 
' pieces with cutlasses, when alive, by the light 
I horsemen, and a Capt. Fellows of the Con- 
I tinental army, who was thrust through Avith a 
bayonet, of which wound he died instantly. 
\ "Sundry others were hanged up by the 
^,neck, till they v/ere dead ; five on the limb of 
I a white oak tree, and without any reason as- 
* signed, except that they were fighting in de- 
■ fence of the only blessing worth preserving : 
I And, indeed, those who had the misfortune 
I to fall into their hands at Fort Washington, 
I in the month of November following, met 
j with but very little better usage, except that 
they were reserved from immediate death to 
1 famish and die with hunger; in fine, the word 
; rebel, applied to any vanquished persons, 
I without regard to rank, who were in the con- 
tinental service, on the 27th of August afore- 
said, was thought, % the enemy, sufficient 

14 



158 MEMOIR OP 

to sanctify whatever cruelties they were pleas- 
ed to inflict, death itself not excepted ; but 
to pass over particulars, which would swell 
my narrative far beyond my design. 

'•The private soldiers, who were brought 
to New York, were crowded into churches, 
dnd environed with slavish Hessian guards, a 
people of a strange language, who were sent 
to America, for no other design but cruelty 
and desohition ; and at others, by merciless 
Britons, ^'/hose mode of communicating ideas 
being intelligible in this country served only 
to tantalize and insult the helpless and perish- 
ing ; but, above all, the hellish delight and 
triumph of thetories over them, as they were 
dyirig by hundreds : This was too much for 
me to bear as a spectator ; for I saw the to- 
rics exulting over the dead bodies of their ^ 
murdered countrymen. 1 have gone into thevi 
churches, and seen sundry of the prisoners 
in the agonies of death, in consequence of 
very hunger, and others speechless, and near 
death, biting pieces of chips; others plead- 
in tr for God's sake, for something to eat, and 
at the same time, shivering with the cold. — 
Hollow groans saluted my ears, and despair 
seemed to be imprinted on every of their 
countenances. The filth of these churches, 
in consequence of the fluxes, was almost be- 
yond description. The floors were covered 
with excrements. 1 have carefully sought to 
direct my steps so as tb avoid it, but could 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 159 

not. They would beg for God's sake, for one 
copper, or morsel of bread. I have seen in 
one of these churches, seven dead, at the 
same time, lying among the excrements of 
their bodies. 

"It was a common practice with the ene- 
my, to convey the dead from these filthy pla- 
ces, in carts, to be shghtly buried ; and I have 
seen whole gangs of tories making derision, 
and exulting over the dead, saying, "there 
goes another load of d — d rebels." I have 
observed the British soldiers to be full of 
their black-guard jokes, and vaunting on 
those occasions ; but they appeared to me 
less malignant than tories. 

"The provisions dealt out to the prisoners, 
was b/4o means suflicient for the support of 
life :' It was deficient in quantity, and much 
more so in quality. The prisoners often pre- 
sented me with a sample of their bread, 
which I certify, was damaged to that degree, 
that it was loathsome, and unfit to be eaten, 
and I am bold to aver it, as my opinion, that 
it had been condenuied, and u^as of the very 
worst sort. I have seen and been fed upon 
damaged bread, in the course of my captiv- 
ity, and observed the quality of such bread 
as has been condemned by the enemy, among 
v/hich was very little so effectually spoiled as 
that w^hich was dealt out to these prisoners. 
Their allowance of meat (as they told me) 
was quite trifling, and of the basest sort. I 



160 MEMOIR OF 

never saw any of it, but was informed, bad 
as it was, it was swallowed almost as quick 
as they got hold of it. I saw some of them 
sucking bones after they were speechless ; 
others, w^ho could yet speak, and had the use 
of their reason, urged me in the strongest 
and most pathetic manner, to use my inter- 
est in their behalf; "for you plainly see,'* 
said they, "that we are devoted to death and 
destruction ;" and, after I had examined 
more particularly into their truly deplorable 
condition, and had become more fully appriz- 
ed of the essential facts, 1 was persuaded 
that it was a premeditated and systematical 
plan of the British council, to destroy the 
youths of our land, with a view thereby to de- 
ter the country, and make it submit to their 
despotism ; but that I could not do them any 
material service, and that, by any public at- 
tempt for that purpose, I might endanger 
myself by frequenting places the most nau- 
seous and contagious that could be conceiv- 
ed of. I refrained going into the churches, 
but frequently conversed with such of the 
prisoners as were admitted to come out into 
the yard, and found that the systematical 
usage still continued. The guard would oft- 
en drive me away, with their fixed bayonets. 
A Hessian one day follo>ved me five or six 
rods, but by making use of my legs, I got rid 
of the lubber. Sometimes I could obtain a 



COL. ETKAX ALLE>\ 161 

little conversation, notwithstanding tlieir se- 
verities. 

"I was in one of the church yards, and it 
was rumoured among those in the church, 
and sundry of the prisoners came v/ith their 
usual complaints to me, and anionic the rest, 
a large boned, tali young man, as he told mc, 
from Pennsylvania, who Avas reduced to a 
mere skeleton. He said he was glad to sec 
me before he died, v» hich he expected to have 
done last night, but w^as a httle revived ; he 
farthermore informed mc, that he and his 
brother had been urged to enlist into the 
' British service, but had both resolved to die 
I first ; that his brother had died last night, in 
•*! consequence of that resolution, and that he 
I expected shortly to follov/ him ; but I made 
•, the other prisoners stand a little off, and told 
•I \ him, with a lov/ voice, to enlist. He then 
asked, whether it was right in the sight of 
God ? I assured him that it v/as, and that 
duty to himself obliged him to deceive the 
British by enlisting, and deserting the first 
\ opportunity ; upon which he answered with 
transport, that he would enlist. 1 charged 
him not to m.ention my name, as his adviser, 
lest it should get air, and I should be closely 
confined, in consequence of it. The integ- 
rity of these suffering prisoners, is hardly 
credible. Many hundreds, I am confident, 
submitted to death, rather than enlist in the 
British service, which, I am informed, thev 
14* 



162 MEMOIR OP 

most generally were pressed to do. I was 
astonished at the resolution of the brothers 
particularly. It seems that they could not 
be stimulated to such exertions of heroism 
from ambition, as they were but obscure sol- 
diers ; strong, indeed, must the internal prin- 
ciple of virtue be, which supported them to 
brave death, and one of them went through 
the operation, as did many hundred others. 
I readily grant that instances of pubhc vir- 
tue are no excitement to the sordid and vi- 
cious ; nor, on the other hand, will all the 
barbarity of Britain and Heshland* awaken 
them to a sense of their d'lty to th® public; but 
these things will have their proper eftect on 
the generous and brave. The officers on 
parole were most of them zealous, if possi- 
ble, to afford the miserable soldiery relief, and 
often consulted with one another on the sub- 
ject, but to no efl'ect, being destitute of the 
means of subsistence, which they needed. — 
Nor could the officers project any measure, 
which they thought would alter their fate, or 
so much as be a mean of getting them out of 
those filthy places, to the privilege of fresh 
air. Some projected that all the officers 
should go in procession to Gen. Howe, and 
plead the cause of the perishing soldiers ; 
but this proposal was negatived, for the fol- 

* Meant for Hesse, in Germany. These troops 
werewhat were called mercenaries; being in the 
pay a foreign power. 



UOL*. ETHAiN ALLEK» 163^ 

lowing reasons, viz : Because that Gen.. 
Howe must needs be well acquainted, and^ 
have a thorough knowledge of the state and 
condition of the prisoners, in every of their 
wretched apartments, and that much more- 
particular and exact than any officer on pa- 
role could be supposed to have, as the Gen- 
eral had a return of the circumstances of 
the prisoners, by his own officers, every mor- 
ning, of the number which were alive, as al- 
so the number which died every twenty four' 
hours ; and consequently the bill of mortal- 
ity, as collected from the daily returns, lay 
before him, with all the material situations 
and circumstances of the prisoners ; and^- 
provided the officers should go in procession' 
to Gen. HoAve, according to the projection^ 
it would give him the greatest affront, and 
that he would either retort upon them, that 
it was no part of their parole, to instruct'him- 
in his conduct to prisoners ; that they were 
mutinying against his authority, and, by af- 
fronting him, had forfeited their parole; or 
that, more probably, instead of saying one 
word to them, would order them all into as 
wretched a confinement as the soldiers, whom 
they sought to relieve ; for, at that time, the 
British, from the General to the private cen- 
tinel, were in full confidence, nor did they so 
much hesitate, but that they should conquer 
the country. Thus the consultation of th.^ 
officers was confounded and broken to pieces. 



164 MEMOIR OF 

in consequence of the dread, which at that 
time lay on their minds, of offending Gen. 
Howe ; for they conceived so murderous a 
tyrant would not be too good to destroy even 
the officers, on the least pretence of an af- 
front, as they were equally in his power with 
the soldiers ; and, as Gen. Howe perfectly 
understood the condition of the private sol- 
diers, it was argued that it was exactly such 
as he and his council had devised, and as he 
meant to destroy them, it would be to no pur- 
pose for them to try to dissuade him from it, 
as they were helpless and liable to the same 
fate, on giving the least affront ; indeed, anx- 
ious apprehensions disturbed them in their 
then circumstances. 

"Mean time mortality raged to such an in- 
tolerable degree among the prisoners, that 
the very school boys in the streets knew the 
mental design of it in some measure ; at 
least, they knew that they were starved to 
death. Some poor v/omen contributed to 
their necessities, till their children were al- 
most starved, and all persons of common un- 
derstanding knew, that they vv^ere devoted to 
the crudest and worst of deaths. It was al- 
so proposed by some, to make a written rep- 
resentation of the condition of the soldiery, 
and the officers to sio^n it, and that it should 
be couched in such terms, as though they 
were apprehensive that the General was im- 
posed upon by his officers, in their daily re- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 165 

turns to him, of the state and condition of 
the prisoners ; and that, therefore, the offi- 
cers, moved with compassion, were constrain- 
ed to cbmrnnnicate to him the facts relative 
to them, nothing doubting but that they 
would meet with a speedy redress ; but this 
proposal was most generally negatived also, 
and for much the same reason offered in the 
other case; for it was conjectured that Gen. 
Howe's indignation would be moved against 
such officers as should attempt to whip him 
over his officers' backs ; that he would dis- 
cern that himself was really struck at, and 
not the officers who made the daily returns ; 
and, therefore, self preservation deterred the 
officers from either petitioning or remonstra- 
ting to Gen. Howe, either verbally or in wri- 
ting; as also the consideration that no valu- 
able purpose to the distressed would be ob- 
tained. 

"-I made several rough drafts on the sub- 
ject, one of which I exhibited to Cols. Ma- 
gaw, Miles and Atlee, and they said that they 
would consider the matter ; soon after 1 call- 
ed on them, and some of the gentlemen in- 
formed me, that they had v/ritten to the Gen- 
eral on the subject, and I concluded that the 
gentlemen thought it best that they should 
write without me, as there was such spirited 
aversion subsisting between the British and 
me. 

*'In the mean time a Col. Hussecker, of tha 



166 MEMOIR OP 

continental army, as he then reported, was 
taken prisoner, and brought to New York, 
who gave out that the country was almost 
universally submitting to the English King's 
authority, and that there would be little or no 
more opposition to Great Britain : This at 
first gave the officers a little shock, but in a 
few days recovered themselves ; for this Col. 
Hussecker, being a German, was feasting 
with Gen. De Heister, his countryman, and 
from his conduct, they were apprehensive, 
that he was a knave; at least, he was esteem- 
ed so by most of the officers ; it was, nev- 
ertheless, a day of trouble. The enemy 
blasphemed. Our little army was retreating 
in New Jersey, and our young men murdered 
by hundreds in New York : The army of 
Britain and Heshland prevailed for a little 
season, as though it was ordered by Heaven 
to shew, to the latest posterity, what the Brit- 
isli would have done if they could, and what 
the general calamity must have been, in con- 
sequence of their conquering the country, 
and to excite every honest man to stand forth 
in the defence 6f liberty, and to establish the 
independency of the United States of Amer- 
ica forever : But this scene of adverse for- 
tune did not discourafye a Washin£[ton : The 
illustrious American hero, remained immov- 
able. In liberty^s cause he took up his sword: 
This retlection, was his support and conso- 
lation in the day of his humiliation, when ho 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 167 

retreated before the enemy, through New- 
Jersey into Pennsylvania. Their triumph 
only roused his indignation ; and the impor- 
tant cause of his country, which lay near his 
heart, moved him to cross the Delaware 
again, and take ample satisfaction on hi^ 
pursuers. No sooner had he circumvallated 
his haughty foes, and appeared in terrible ar- 
ray, but the host of Heshland fell. This 
taught America the intrinsic worth of perse- 
verance, and the generous sons of freedom 
fievv to the standard of their common safe- 
guard and defence ; from which time the 
arm of American liberty hath prevailed.* 

* The American army being greatly reduced by 
the loss of men taken |>risoners, and by the depar- 
ture of men whose enlistments had expired, Gen. 
Washington was obIi<2;ed to retreat towards Phila- 
delphia. Gen. Howe, exulting in his successes, 
pursued him, notwilhstandin;:!; tlie weather was se- 
verely cold. To add to the disasters of the Ameri- 
cans, Gen. Lee Nvas surprised and taken prisoner at 
Baskenridge. In this gloomy state of affairs, many 
persons joined the British cause, and took protec- 
tions. But a small band of heroes checked the tide 
of British success. A division of Hessians had 
advanced to Trenton, where they reposed in secu- 
rity. Gen. Washington was on the opposite side 
of the Delaware, with about three thousand men, 
many ol whom were without shoes or convenient 
clothing ; and the river was covered with floating 
ice. But the General knew the importance of 
striking some successful blow, to animate the ex- 
piring hopes of the country ; and on the night of 



168 MEMOIR OP 

This surprise and capture of the Hessians 
enraged the enemy, who were still vastly 
more numerous than the continental troops: 
They, therefore, collected, and marched from 
Princeton, to attack Gen. Washington, who 
was then at Trenton, having previously left 
a detachment from their main body at Prince- 
ton, for the support of that place. This was 
a trying time for our worthy General, though 
in possession of a late most astonishing vic- 
tory, was, by no means, able to withstand the 
collective force of the enemy ; but his saga- 
city soon suggested a stratagem to effect 
that which, by force, to him was at that time 
impracticable : He tlierefore amused the 
enemy with a nuuiber of hres, and in the 
night made a forced march, undiscovered by 
them, and next morning, fell in with their rear 
guard at Princeton, and killed and took most 
of them prisoners. The main body too late 
perceived their rear was attacked, hurried 
back with all speed, but, to their mortification, 
found they were out-generalled, and baffled 
by Gen. Washington, who had retired with 
his little army towards Morristown, and was 

December 25tb, crossed (he river, and fell on the 
enemy by surprise, and took the whole body, con- 
sistinoof about nine hundied men. A few were 
killed, among whom was Colonel Rahl, the com- 
mander. 

[ Webster'' s Elements. 



^. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 169 

out of their power.* These repeated suc- 
cesses, one on the back of the other, cha- 
grined the enemy prodigiously, and had an 
amazing operation in the scale of American 
politics, and undoubtedly was one of the cor- 
ner stones, on which their fair structure of 
Independenc has been fabricated ; for the 
country at no one time has ever been so much 
dispirited as just before the morning of this 
glorious success, which in part dispelled the 

* On the 2d of January, 1777, Lord Cornwallis 
appeared near Trenton, with a strong body of 
troops. Skirmishing took place, and impeded the 
inarch of the British army, until the Americans had 
secured their artillery and baggao;e ; when they 
retired to the southward of the creek, and repulsed 
the enemy in their attempt to pass the bridge. As 
Gen. Washington's force was not sufficient to meet 
the enemy, and his situation was critical, he de- 
termined, with the advice of a council of war, to 
I attempt a stratagem. He gave orders for the troops 
I to light fires in their camp, (which were intended 
, to deceive the enemy ) and he prepared to march. 
J Accordingly at 12 o'clock at night the troops left 
I the ground, and by a circuitous march eluded the 
vigilance of the enemy, and early in the morning 
appeared at Princeton. A smart action ensued, hut 
the British troops gave way. A party took refuge 
in the college, a building with strong stone walls, 
but were forced to surrender. The enemy lost in 
killed, wounded and prisoneis, about five hundred 
men. The Americans lost but few men ; but 
among them, was a most valuable officer, General 
Mercer. [ Webster^s Elements. 

15 



J 70 MEMOIR OP 

gloomy clouds of oppression and slavery, 
which lay pending over i^merica, big with the 
ruin of this and future generations, and en- 
hghtened and spirited her sons to redouble 
their blows on a merciless, and haughty, and, 
I may add, perfidious enemy. 

"Farthermore, this success had a mighty 
effect on Gen. Howe and his council, and 
roused them to a sense of their own weak- 
ness, and convinced them that they were nei- 
ther omniscient nor omnipotent. Their ob- 
duracy and death-designing malevolence, in 
some measure, abated or was suspended. — 
The prisoners, who were condemned to the 
most wretched, and crudest of deaths, and 
who survived to this period, though most of 
them died before, were immediately ordered 
to be sent within Gen. Washington's lines for 
an exchange ; and, in consequence of it, 
were taken out of their filthy and poisonous 
places of confinement, and sent out of New 
York to their friends in haste ; several of 
them fell dead in the streets of New York, 
as they attempted to walk to the vessels in 
the harbor, for their intended embarkation. 
What numbers lived to reach the lines, I can- 
not ascertain, but, from concurrent represen- 
tations which I have since received from 
numbers of people who lived in and adjacent 
to such parts of the country, where they 
were received from the enemy, I apprehend 
that most of them died in consequence of 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 171 

the vile usage of the enemy. Some, who 
were eye-witnesses of that scene of mortal- 
ity, more especially in that part which con- 
tinued after the exchange took place, are of 
opinion, that it was partly in consequence of 
a slow poison; but this I refer to the doc- 
tors that attended them, who are certainly 
the best judges. 

"Upon the best calculation I have been 
able to make, from personal knowledge, and 
the many evidences I have collected m sup- 
port of the facts, I learn that, of tiie prison- 
ers taken on Long Island, Fort Washington 
and some few others, at different times and 
places, about two thousand perished with 
hunger, cold and sickness, occasioned by the 
filth of their prisons, at New York, and a 
number more on their passage to the conti- 
nental lines ; most of the residue, who reach- 
ed their friends, having received their death 
wound, could not be restored by the assist- 
ance of physicians and friends; but, like 
their brother prisoners, fell a sacrifice to the 
relentless and scientific barbarity of Britain. 
I took as much pains as my circumstances 
would admit of, to inform myself not only of 
matters of fact, but likewise of the very Je- 
sign and aims of Gen. Howe and his council ; 
The latter of which I predicated on the for- 
mer, and submit it to the candid public. 

"And lastly, the aforesaid success of the 
American arms had a happy eflect on the 



172 MEMOIR OP 

continental officers, who were on parole at 
New York : A number of us assembled, but 
not in a public manner, and, with full bowls 
and glasses, drank Gen. Washington's health, 
and were not unmindful of Congress, and 
our worthy friends on the continent, and al- 
most forgot that we were prisoners. 

"A few days after this recreation, a British 
officer of rank and importance in their army, 
whose name I shall not mention in this narra- 
tive, for certain reasons, though I have men- 
tioned it to some of my close friends and 
confidants, sent for me to his lodgings, and 
told me, "That faithfulness, though in a 
wrong cause, had, nevertheless, recommend- 
ed me to Gen. Sir William Howe, who was 
minded to make me a Colonel of a regiment 
of new levies, abas tories, in the British ser- 
vice ; and proposed that I should go with 
him, and some other officers, to England, who 
would embark for that purpose, in a few 
days, and there be introduced to Lord G. 
Germaine, and probably to the King; and, 
that previously, I should be clothed equal to 
such an introduction, and, instead of paper 
rags, be paid in hard guineas ; after this, 
should embark with Gen. Burgoyne, and as- 
sist in the reduction of the country, which in- 
fallibly would be conquered, and, when that 
should be done, I should have a large tract 
of land, either in the New Hampshire grants, 
or in Connecticut, it would make no odds, as 



COL, ETHAN ALLEN. 173 

the country would be forfeited to the crown." 
I then rephed, "That, if by faithfulness, I had 
recommended myself to Gen. Howe, I should 
be loth, by unfaithfulness, to lose the Gener- 
al's good opinion ; besides, that I viewed the 
offer of land to be similar to that which the 
devil offered Jesus Christ; "To give him all 
the kingdoms of the world, if he would fall 
down and worship him ;'' when, at the same 
time, that the d — d soul had not one foot of 
land upon earth.*' This closed the conver- 
sation, and the gentleman turned from me 
Avith an air of dislike, saying, I v/as a bigot ; 
upon which I retired to my lodgings. 

"Near the last of November, I was admit- 
ted to parole in New York, with many other 
American officers, and on the 22d day of 
Januar)^, 1777, was with them directed by 
the British commissary of prisoners, to be 
quartered on the westerly part of Lond Isl- 
and, and our parole continued. During my 
imprisonment there, no occurrences worth 
observation happened. I obtained the means 
of living as well as I desired, which, in a 
I great measure, repaired my constitution, 
, wdiich had been greatly injured by the severi- 
j ties of an inhuman captivity. I now began 
I to feel myself composed, expecting either an 
exchange, or continuance in good and honor- 
able treatment ; but alas ! my visionary ex- 
pectations soon vanished. The news of 
the conquest of Ticonderoga, by General 

]5* 



174 MEMOIR OP 

Burgoyne,* and the advance of his army into 
the country, made the haughty Britains again 
to feel their importance, and with that, their 
insatiable thirst for cruelty. 

"The private prisoners at New York, and 
some of the officers on parole, felt the sever- 
ity of it. Burgoyne was their demi-god : 
To him they paid adoration : In him the to- 
nes placed their confidence, "and forgot the 
Lord, their God," and served Howe, Bur- 
goyne and Knyphausen, "and became vile in 
their own imaginations, and their foolish 
hearts were darkened, professing" to be great 
politicians, and relying on foreign and merci- 
less invaders, and v/ith them seeking the ruin^ 

*In June, 1776, the British army amounting to 
seven thousand men, besides Indians and Canadi- 
ans, commanded by Gen. Burgoyne, crossed the 
Lake and laid siege to Ticonderoga. In a short 
time, the enemy gained possession of Sugar Hill, 
which commanded the American lines, and Gen. 
St. Clair, with the advice of a council of war, or- 
dered the posts to be abandoned. The retreat of 
the Americans was conducted under every possible 
disadvantage — part of their force embarked in bat- 
teaux and landed at Giienesborough — a part march- 
ed by the way of Castleton ; but they were oblig- 
ed to leave their heavy cannon, and on their march 
lost a great part of their baggage and stores, while 
their rear was harrassed by the British troops. An 
action took place between Col. Warner, with a bo- 
dy of Americans, and Gen. Frazer, in which the 
Americans were defeated, after a brave resistance, 
with the loss of a valuable officer, Col. Francis. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 175 

bloodshed and destruction of their country ,^ 
"became fools," expecting with them to 
share a dividend in the confiscated estates of 
their neighbors and countrymen, who fought 
for the whole country, and the rehgion and 
liberties thereof: — ''Therefore, God gave 
them over to strong delusions, to believe m 
lie, that they all might be damned." 

"The 25th day of August, I was appre- 
hended, and, under pretext of artful, mean, 
and pitiful pretences, that I had infringed on 
my parole, taken from a tavern, where there 
were more than a dozen officers present, and 
in the very place where those officers and 
myself were directed to be quartered, put 
under a strong guard, and taken to New 
York, where I expected to make my defence, 
before the commanding officer ; but, contra- 
ry to my expectations, and without the least 
solid pretence of justice or a trial, was again 
encircled with a strong guard, with fixed bay- 
onets, and conducted to the provost-gaol, in 
a lonely apartment, next above the dungeon, 
and was denied all manner of subsistence, 
either by purchase or allowance. The sec- 
ond day I offered a guinea for a meal of vict- 
uals, but was denied it; and the third day, I 
offered eight Spanish milled dollars for a like 
favor, but was denied; and, all I could get 
out of the sergeant's mouth, was, that by 
G — d, he would obey his orders. I now per- 
ceived myself to be again in substantial 



176 MEMom OP 

trouble. In this conclitioR^ I formed an ob- 
lique acquaintance with a Capt. Travis, of 
Virginia, who was in the dungeon below me, 
through a little hole which was cuty with a 
penknife, through the floor of my apartment, 
which communicated with the dungeon; it 
was a small crevice, through which I could 
discern but a very small part of his face at 
once, when he applied it to the hols ; but 
from the discovery of him in the situation 
which we were both then in, I could not have 
known him, which I found to be true, by an 
after acquaintance. I could, nevertheless, 
hold a conversation with him, and soon per- 
ceived him to be a gentleman of high spirits, 
who had a high sense of honor, and felt as 
big, as though he had been in a palace, and 
had treasures of wrath in store against the 
British. In fine, I was charmed with the 
spirit of the man ; he had been near or quite 
four months in that dungeon, with murderers, 
thieves, and every species of criminals, and 
all for the sole crime of unshaken fidehty to 
his counti-y ; but his spirits were above de- 
jection,, and his mind unconquerable. I en- 
gaged to do him every service in my power, 
and in a few weeks afterwards, with the uniU 
ed petitions of the officers in the provost, 
procured his dismission from the dark man^ 
sion of fiends, to the apartments of his pe- 
titioners. 

*'And it came to pass on the third day, at 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN 177 

the going down of the sun, that I was pre- 
sented with a piece of boiled pork, and some 
biscuit, which the sergeant gave me to un- 
derstand, was my allowance, and 1 fed sweet- 
ly on the same ; but I indulged my appetite 
by degre^s^ and, in a few days more, was 
taken from that apartment, and conducted 
to the next loft or story, where there were 
above twenty continental, and some militia 
officers, who had been taken, and imprison- 
ed there, besides some private gentlemen, 
who had been dragged from their own homes 
to that filthy place, by tories. Several of 
every denomination mentioned, died there, 
some before, and others after I was put 
there. 

'-The history of the proceedings relative to 
the provost only, were I particular, would 
swell a volume larger than this whole narra-^ 
live : I shall, therefore, only notice such of 
the occurrences which are most extraor- 
dinary. 

"Capt. Vandyke bore, with an uncommon 
fortitude, near twenty months' confinement 
in this place, and in the mean time, was ve- 
ry serviceable to others who were confined 
with him. The allegation against him, as 
the cause of his confinement, was very ex- 
traordinary : He was accused of setting 
fire to the city of New York, at the tinrie the 
west part of it was consumed, when it was 
a known fact, that he had been in the pro» 



H8 Memoir op 

vest a week before the fire broke out ; and, 
in like manner, frivolous, were the ostensible 
accusations against most of those who were 
there confined ; the case of two militia of- 
ficers excepted, who were taken in their at- 
tempting to escape from their parole ; and 
probably, there may be some other instances 
which might justify such a confinement. 

"Mr. William Miller, a committee man, 
from West Chester county, and state of New 
York, was taken from his bed in the dead of 
the night, by his tory neighbours, and was 
starved for three days and nights, in an 
apartment of the same gaol ; add to this the 
denial of fire, and that in a cold season 6f the 
year, in which time he walked day and night 
to defend himself against the frost, and when 
he complained of such reprehensible con- 
duct, the word rebel or committee man was 
deemed by the enemy a sufficient atonement 
for any inhumanity that they could invent or 
inflict. He was a man of good natural un- 
derstanding, a close and sincere friend to the 
liberties of x4merica, and endured fourteen 
months' cruel imprisonment, with that mag- 
nanimity of soul, which reflects honor on 
himself and country. 

"Maj. Levi W^ells and Capt. Ozias Bissell,. 
were ap{3rehended and taken under guard 
from their parole on Long Island, to the pro- 
vost, on as fallacious pretences as the for- 
mer, and were there continued till their e^ 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 179 

change took place, which was near five 
months. Their fidehty and zealous attach- 
ment to their country's cause, which was 
more than commonly conspicuous was, un- 
doubtedly, the real cause of their confine- 
ment. 

"Major Brinton Payne, Capt. Flahaven, 
and Capt. Randolph, who had at diHerent 
times distinguished themselves by their 
bravery, especially at the several actions, in 
which they were taken, were all the provo- 
cations they gave, for which they suffered 
about a year's coniineraent, each in the same 
filthy gaol* 

"A few weeks after my confinement, on 
the like fallacious and wicked pretences, was 
brought to the same place, from his parole, 
on Long Island, Major Otho Holland Will- 
iams, now a full Colonel in the continental 
army. In his character are united the gen- 
tleman, officer, soldier, and friend ; he walk- 
ed through the prison with an air of great 
disdain; said he, "Is this the treatment 
which gentlemen of the continental army are 
to expect from the rascally British, when in 
their power ? Heaven forbid it !" He was 
continued there about five months, and then 
exchanged for a British Major. 

* The sufferini^s of the prisoners in New York, 
who remained faithful to their country's cause, are 
stated, on other authorities, to have been severe 
and excessive. 



180 MEMOIR OF 

"John Fell, Esq. now a member of Con- 
gress for the state of New Jersey, was taken 
from his own house, by a gang of infamous 
tories, and by order of a British General, was 
sent to the provost, where he was continued 
near one year. The stench of the gaol, 
which was very loathsome and unhealthy, 
occasioned a hoarseness of the lungs, which 
proved fatal to many who were there confin- 
ed, and reduced this gentleman near to the 
point of death ; he was indeed given over 
by his friends, who were about him, and he 
himself concluded he must die. I could not 
endure the thought that so worthy a friend 
to America, should have his life stolen from 
him in such a mean, base, and scandalous 
manner, and that his family and friends 
should be bereaved of so great and desira« 
ble a blessing, as his iarther care, unefulness 
and example, might prove to them. I, there- 
fore, wrote a letter to Gen. Robertson, who 
commanded in town, and being touched with 
the most sensible feelings of humanity, which 
dictated my pen to paint dying distress in 
such lively colours, that it wrought convic- 
tion even on the obduracy of a British Gen- 
eral, and produced his order to remove the 
now honorable John Fell, out of a gaol, to 
private lodgings in town ; in consequence of 
which, he slowly recovered his health. — 
There is so extraordinary a circumstance 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. l8l 

which intervened concerning this letter, that 
it is worth noticing. 

"Previous to sending it, I exhibited the 
same to the gentleman on whose behalf it 
was written, for his approbation, and he for- 
bid me to send it in the most positive and 
explicit terms : his reason was, "That the 
enemy knew, by every morning's report, the 
condition of all the prisoners, mine in par- 
ticular, as I have been gradually coming to 
my end for a considerable time, and they ve- 
ry well knew it, and hkewise determined it 
should be accomplished, as they had served 
many others ; that, to ask a favor, would 
give the merciless enemy occasion to tri- 
umph over me in my last moments, and, 
therefore, I will ask no favors from them, but 
resign myself to my supposed fate." But 
the letter I sent without his knowledge, and I 
confess I had but little expectations from it, 
yet could not be easy till I had sent it. It 
may be worth a remark, that this gentleman 
was an Englishman born, and from the be- 
ginning of the revolution, has invariably as- 
serted, and maintained the cause of liberty. 

"The British have made so extensive [an 
improvement of the provost during the pre- 
sent revolution, till of late, that a very short 
definition will be sufficient for the dullest ap- 
prehensions. It may be with» propriety call- 
ed the British inquisition, and calculated to 
support their oppressive measures and de- 

16 



182 MEMOIR OF 

signs, by suppressing the spirit of liberty ; as 
also a place to confine the criminals, and 
most infamous wretches of their own army, 
where many gentlemen of the American ar- 
my, and citizens thereof, were promiscuous- 
ly confined, with every species of criminals ; 
but they divided into difi:erenl apartments, 
and kept at as great a remove as circum- 
stances permitted ; but it was, nevertheless, 
at the option of a villainous sergeant, who 
had the charge of the provest, to take any 
gentleman from their room and put them into 
the dungeon, which was often the case: At 
two different times, I was taken down stairs 
for that purpose, by a file of soldiers, with 
fixed bayonets, and the sergeant brandishing 
his sword at the same time, and having been 
brought to the door of the dungeon, I there 
flattered the vanity of the sergeant, whose 
name v\ as Keef, by which means I procured 
the surprising favor to return to my compan- 
ions ; but some of the high mettled young 
gentleman could not bear his insolence, and 
determined to keep at a distance, and neither 
please or displease the villain, but none could 
keep clear of his abuse; however, mild meas- 
ures were the best ; he did not hesitate to 
call us d- — d rebels, and use us with the 
coarsest language. Captains Flahaven, Ran- 
dolph, and Mercer, were the objects of his 
most flagrant and repeated abuses, who were 
many times taken to the dungeon, and there 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 



183 



continued at hia pleasure. Capt. Flahaven 
took cold in the dungeon, and was in a de- 
clining state of health, but an exchange de- 
livered him, and, in all probability, saved his 
life. It was very mortifying to bear with the 
insolence of such a vicious and ill bred im- 
perious rascal. Remonstrances against him 
were preferred to the commander of the 
town, but no relief could be obtained ; for his 
superiors were, undoubtedly, well pleased 
with his abusive conduct to the gentlemen, 
under the severities of his power ; and re- 
monstrating against his infernal conduct, on- 
ly served to confirm him in authority ; and for 
this reason, 1 never made any remonstrances 
on the subject, but only stroaked him, for I 
knew that he was but a cat's paw, in the 
hands of the British officers, and that, if he 
should use us well, he would immediately be 
put out of that trust, and a worse man ap- 
pointed to succeed him; but there was no 
need of making any new appointment ; for 
Cunningham, their provost marshal, and 
Keef, his deputy, were as great rascals as 
their army could boast of, except one Joshua 
Loring, an infamous tory, who was Commis- 
sary of prisoners ; nor can any of these be 
supposed to be equally criminal with Gen. 
Sir WilHam Howe and his associates, who 
prescribed and directed the murders and cru- 
elties, which w^ere by them perpetrated. — 
This Loring is a monster ! — There is not his 



181 MEMOIR OF 

like in human shape. He exhibits a smiHng 
countenance, seems to wear a phiz of hu- 
manity, but has been instrumentally capable 
of the most consummate acts of wickedness, 
which were first projected by an abandoned 
British council, clothed with the authority of 
a Howe, murdering, premeditated !y, in cold 
blood, near or quite tv^o thousand helpless 
prisoners, and that, in the most clandestine, 
mean and shameful manner, at New York. 

"The 6th day of July, 1777, Gen. St. Clair, 
and the army under his command, evacuated 
Ticonderoga, and retreated with the main 
body through Hubbardton into Castleton, 
which was but six miles distance, when his 
rear guard, commanded by Col. Seth Warn- 
er, was attacked at Hubbardton, by a body 
of the enemy of about two thousand, com- 
manded by Gen. Frazer. Warner's com- 
mand consisted of his own and two other re- 
giments, viz : Francis' and Hale's, and some 
scattering and enfeebled soldiers. His whole 
number, according to information, was near 
or quite one thousand; part of which were 
Green Mountain Boys ; about seven hundred 
out of the whole, he brought into action.— 
The enemy advanced boldly, and the two 
bodies formed within about sixty yards of 
each other. Col. Warner having formed his 
own regiment and that of Col. Francis, did 
not wait for the enemy, but gave them a hea- 
vy fire from his whole line, and they returned 



COL. ETifi^AN ALLEN. 185 

it with great bravery. It was, by this time, 
datigerous for those of both parties, who 
were not prepared for the world to come ; 
but Col. Hale, being apprised of the danger, 
never brought his re^riment to the charge, 
but left Warner and Francis to stand the 
blowing of it, and fled, but luckily fell in v/ith 
an inconsiderable number of the enemy, and 
to his eternal shame, surrendered himself a 
prisoner. 

"The conflict was very bloody. Col. Fran- 
cis fell in the same, but Col. Warner, and the 
officers under his command, as also the sol- 
diery, behaved with great resolution. The 
enemy broke, and gave way on the right and 
left, but formed again, and renewed the at- 
tack ; in the mean time, the British grena- 
diers, in the centre of the enemy's line, main- 
tained the ground, and finally carried it with 
the point of the bayonet, and Warner retreat- 
ed with reluctance. Our loss was about 
thirty men, killed, and that of the enemy, 
amounting to three hundred, killed, including 
j a Major Grant. The enemy's loss, I learnt 
I from the confession of their own officers, 
j when a prisoner with them. I heard them 
j likewise complain, that the Green Mountain 
Boys took sight. The next movement of the 
1 enemy, of any material consequence, was 
their investing Bennington,* with a design f o 

*The Americans had collected a quantity of 
stores at Bennineton ; to destroy which, as well as 
16 * 



186 MEaiOIR OF 

demolish it, and subject its Mountaineers, to 
which they had a great aversion, with one 
hundred and fifty chosen men, inchiding to- 
ries, with the highest expectation of success, 
and having chosen an eminence of strong 
ground, fortified it with shght breast works, 
and two pieces of cannon ; but the govern- 
ment of the young state of Vermont, being 
previously jealous of such an attempt of the 
enemy, and in due time had procured a num- 
ber of brave militia, from the government of 
New Hampshire, who, together with the mi- 
litia of the north part of Berkshire county, 
and state of Massachusetts, and the Green 
Mountain Boys, constituted a body of reso- 
lute men, under the command of the intre- 

to animate the royalists and intimidate the patriots, 
Gen. Burgoyne detached Col. Baum, with five 
hundred men and one hundred Indians, Col. Brey- 
mari was sent to leinforce him, but did not arrive 
in time. On the 16th of Aui^ust, Gen. Stark, with 
about ei»ht hundred brave militia men, attacked- 
Col. Baum, in his entrenched camp, about six miles 
fiom Bennington, and killed or took prisoners, 
nearly the whole detachment. The next day Col. 
Breyman was attacked and defeated. In these ac. 
tions, the Americans took about seven hundred 
prisoneis, and these successes served lo revive the 
spirits of the people. This success, however, was, 
in part, counterbalanced by (he advantao;e8 gained 
on the Mohawk, by Col. St. Leger ; but this offi- 
cer, attacking Fort Stanwix, was repelled, and 
obliged to abandon the attempt. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 187 

pid Gen. vStark, who, in number, were about 
equal to the enemy. Col. Herrick, who com- 
manded the Green Mountain Rangers, and 
who was second in command, being thor- 
oughly acquainted with the ground where 
the enemy had fortified, proposed to attack 
them in their works upon all parts, at the 
55ame time. This plan being adopted by the 
General and his council of war, the little mi- 
litia brigade of undisciplined heroes, with 
their long brown firelocks, the best security 
of a free people, without either cannon or 
bayonets, was, on the 16th day of August, 
led on to the attack by their bold command- 
ersy in the face of the enemy's dreadful fire, 
and to the astonishment of the world, and 
burlesque of discipline, carried every part of 
their lines in less than one quarter of an hour 
after the attack became general, took their 
cannon, killed and captured more than two 
thirds of their number, which immortalized 
Gen. Stark, and made Bennington famous to 
posterity. 

"Among the enemy's slain was found CoL 
Baum, their commander, a Col. Pfester^ who 
headed an infamous gang of tories, and a 
large part of his command; and among the 
prisoners was Major Meibome, their second 
in command, a number of British and Hes- 
sian officers, surgeons, &;c., and more than 
one hundred of the aforementioned Pfester'a 
command. The prisoners being collected 



188 MEMOIPw OF 

togetheiv were sent to the meeting house in 
the town, by a strong guard, and Gen» Stark, 
not imagining any present danger, the mihtia 
scattered from him to rest and refresh them- 
selves ; in this situation he was on a sudden 
attacked by a reinforcement of one thousand 
and one hundred of the enemy, commanded 
by a Gov. Skene, with two field pieces : — 
They advanced in regular order, and kept 
up an incessant fire, especially from their 
field pieces, and the remaining militia retreat- 
ing, slowly before them, disputed the ground, 
inch by inch. The enemy were heard to hal- 
loo to them, saying, "stop Yankees." In the 
mean time, Gol. Warner, with about one 
hundred and thirty men of his regiment, who 
were not in the first action, arrived and at- 
tacked the enemy with great fury, being de- 
termined to have ample revenge on account 
of the quarrel at Hubbardton, which brought 
them to a stand, and soon after, Gen Stark 
and Col. Herrick, brought on more of the 
scattered militia, and the action became gen- 
eral ; and in a few minutes, the enemy were 
forced from their cannon, gave way on all 
parts^ and fied ; and the shouts of victory 
were, a second time, proclaimed in favor of 
the mihtia. The enemy's loss, in killed and 
and prisoners, in these two actions, amount- 
ed to more than one thousand and two hun- 
dred men, and our loss did not exceed fifty 
men. This was a bitter stroke to the enemy, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEX. 



180 



but their pride would not permit thern to he* 
sitate but thattlrey could vanquish the coun-^ 
try : and, as a specimen of their arrogancy,- 
I shall insert Geii. Burgoyiie's proclamation. 

^'By John Biirgoyne^ Esq, Lieutenani-Geiier' 
al of his Majesty'' s armies in America^ Colonel' 
of the Queen'' s recriment of light dragoons^ Gov 
enior of Fori William in North Britain^ one of 
the Representatives of the Commons of Great 
Britain^ in Parliament^ and commayiding an ar- 
my and fleet employed on an expedition from Can- 
ada^ S{c. Sfc, S{c. 

•^•The forces entrusted to my command are 
designed to act in concert, and upon a 
common principle, with the numerous ar- 
mies and fleets which already display, in ev^- 
ery quarter of America, the power, the jus- 
tice, and, when properly sought, the mercy 
of the King. 

"The cause,- in which the British arms arc 
thus exerted, applies to the most affecting 
interests of the human heart ; and the mil- 
itary servants of the crown, at first called 
forth for the sole purpose of restoring the 
rights of the constitution, now^ combine witk 
love of their country, and duty to their sove- 
reign, the other extensive incitements which 
spring from a due sense of the general privi- 
leges of mankind. To the eyes and ears of 
the temperate part of the public, and to th© 
breasts of suffering thousands in the prOviUr 



19tt MEMOIR OP 

ces, be the melaneholy appeal, whether the 
present unnatural rebeUion has not been 
made a foundation for the completest system 
of tyranny that ever God, in his displeasure^ 
suffered for a time, to be exercised over a 
froward and stubborn generation. 

"Arbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of 
property, persecution and torture, unprece- 
dented in the inquisitions of the Romish 
church, are among the palpable enormities 
that verify the affirmative. These are in- 
flicted by assemblies and communities, ^vho 
dare to profess themselves friends to liberty,. 
upon the most quiet subjects, without dis- 
tinction of age or sex, for the sole crime, oft- 
en for the sole suspicion, of having adhered 
in principle, to the government under which 
they were born, and to which, by every tie^ 
divine and human, they owe allegiance. To 
consummate these shocking proceedings, the 
profanation of religion is added to the most 
profligate prostitution of common reason ; 
the consciences of men are set at nought ; 
and multitudes are compelled, not only to 
bear arms, but also to swear subjection to an 
usurpation they abhor. 

"Animated by these considerations ; at 
the head of troops in the full powers of health, 
discipHne, and valor ; determined to strike 
where necessary, and anxious to spare where 
possible, I, by these presents, invite and ex- 
hort all persons, in all places, where the pro-- 



€01.. ETHAN ALLEN, 1 91 

:gress of this army may point ;; and by the 
blessing of God, I will extend it far, to main- 
tain such a conduct as may justify me in pro- 
tecting their lands, habitations and families. 
The intention of this address is to hold forth 
security, not depredation to the country. To 
those whom spirit and principle may induce 
to partake of the glorious task of redeeming 
tlieir countrymen from dungeons, and re-es- 
tablishiiig the blessings of legal government, 
I olfer encouragement and employment ; and 
upon the first intelligence of their associa- 
tions, I will find means to assist their underr 
takings. The domestic, the industrious, the 
infirm, and even the timid inhabitants, I am 
desirous to protect, provided they remain 
quietly at their houses ; that they do not suf^ 
fer their cattle to be removed, nor their corn 
or forage to be secreted or destroyed ; that 
they do not break up their bridges or roads : 
nor by any other act, directly or indirectly, 
endeavour to obstruct the operations of the 
King's troops, or supply or assist those of 
the enemy. Every species of provisions 
brought to my camp, will be paid for, at an 
equitable rate, and in solid coin. 

"In consciousness of Christianity, my royal 
master's clemency, and the honor of soldier- 
ship, I have dwelt upon this invitation, and 
wished for more persuasive terms to give it 
impression : And let not people be led to 
disregard it, by considering their distance 



191 MEMOm OF 

from the immediate situation of my camp. — 
I have but to give stretch to the Indian forces 
under my direction, and they amount to 
thousands, to .overtake the hardened ene- 
mies of Great Britain and America : I con- 
sider them the same wherever they may lurk. 

'^If, notwithstanding these endeavours, and 
sincere inchnations to effect them, the 
phrenzy of hostihty should remain, I trust I 
shall stand acquitted in the eyes of God and 
men, in denouncing and executing the ven- 
geance of the state against the wilful out- 
casts. — The messengers of justice and of 
wrath await them in the field ; and devasta- 
tion, famine, and every concomitant horror 
that a reluctant but indispensable prosecu- 
tion of military duty must occasion, will bar 
the way to their return. 

J. BURGOYNE. 

^^By his Excellency the Lieutenant General^ 
RoBT. Kingston., Scc\j.. 

^Camp near Ticonderoga^ 4.th Jtdy^ 1777." 
"Gen. Burgoyne was still the toast, and the 
severities towards the prisoners, were, in a 
great measure increased or diminished, in 
proportion to the expectation of conquest. 
His very ostentatious Proclamation was in 
the hand and mouth of most of the soldiery, 
especially the tories, and from it, their faith 
was raised to assurance. — I wish my country- 
men in general could but have an idea of the 
assuming tyranny, and haughty, malevolent, 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 192 

and insolent behavior of the enemy, at that 
time; and from thence discern the intolera- 
ble calamities which this country have extri- 
cated themselves from, by their public spirit- 
edness and bravery. — The downfall of Gen. 
Burgoyne,"^ and surrender of his whole ar- 
my, dashed the aspiring hopes and expecta- 
tions of the enemy, and brought low the im- 
pious spirit of an opulent, puissant and 
haughty nation, and made the tories bite the 
ground with anguish, exalting the valor of 
the free born sons of America, and raised 

* Gen. Burgoyne, after collecting his forces and 
stores, crossed the Hudson, with a view to pene- 
trate to Albany. But the American army being 
reinforced daily, held hina in check at Saratoga. — 
Gen. Gates now took the command, and was aided 
by Generals Lincoln and Arnold. On the 19th of 
September, the Americans attacked the British ar- 
my, and with such bravery, that the enemy could 
boast of no advantage, and night put an end to the 
action. The loss of the enemy was about five 
hundred. Gen. Burgoyne was confined in a nar- 
row pass— having the Hudson on one side, and im- 
passable woods on the other — a body of Americans 
was in his rear — his boats he had ordered to be 
burnt, and he could not retreat — while an army of 
thirteen thousand men opposed him in front. On 
the 7th of October, the armies came to a second ac- 
tion, in which the British lost Gen. Frazer, with a 
great number of oflficers and men, and were driven 
within their lines. On the part of the Americans, 
the loss was not great, but Generals Lincoln and 
Arnold were wounded. Webster^s Elements, 
17 



193 MEMOIR OF 

til Qir fame and that of their brave command- 
ers to the clouds,; and immortalized General 
Gates, with laurels of eternal duration. — No 
sooner had the knowledge of this interesting 
and mighty event reached his most Christian 
Majesty,* who, in Europe, shines with a su- 
perior lustre in goodness, policy and arms, 
but the illustrious potentate, auspiciously in- 
fluenced by Heaven to promote the recipro- 
cal interest and happiness of the ancient 
kingdom, of France, and the new and rising 
States of America, passed the great and de- 
cisive decree, that the United States of 
America, shpuld be free and independent. — 
Vaunt no more, Old England ! consider you 
are but an island ! and that your power has 
been continued longer than the exercise of 
your humanity. Qrder your broken and van- 
quished battallions to retire from America, 
the scene of your cruelties. Go home and 
repent in dust and sackloth for your aggra- 
vated crimes. The cries of bereaved pa- 
rents, widows and o^-phans, reach the Heav- 
ens, and you ar^ abominated by every friend 
to America. Take your friends, the tories, 
with you,, and be gone, and drink deep of tho 

* It appears, by this, that the Colonel, although a 
, staunch whig, could, if occasion required, speak in 
^ commendation of crowned heads. It is to be consid- 
ered, however, that the l^rench King, by his kind 
^ measures^in regard to our Revolutionary cause, had 
"well merited jthis tribute to his worth. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 194 

cup of humiliation. Make peace v, ith the 
Princes of the house of Bourbon ; for you 
are in no condition to wasie war with them. 
Your veteran soldiers are fallen ui America, 
and your glory is departed. Be quiet and 
pay your debts, especially for the hire of the 
Hessians. There is no other way for you to 
get into credit again, hut by reformation and 
plain honesty, which you have despised ; for 
your power is by no means sufficient to sup- 
port your vanity. I have had opportunity to 
see a great deal of it, and felt its severe er- 
fects,and learned lessons of wisdom and pol- 
icy, when I were your heavy irons, and bore 
your bitter revihngs and reproaches. I have 
something of a smattering of philosophy, 
and understand hum-ati nature in all its stages 
tolerably well ; am thoroughly acquainted 
with your national crimes, and assure you, 
that they not only cry aloud for Heaven's 
vengeance, but excite mankind to rise up 
against you. Virtue, wisdom and pohcy are, 
in a national sense, always connected witli 
power, or in other words, power is their oil- 
spring, and such power as is directed by vir- 
tue, wisdom and policy, never fails finally to 
destroy itself, as yours has done. It is so in 
the nature of things, and unfit that it should 
be otherwise ; for if it was not so, vanity, in- 
justice and oppression, might reign trium- 
phant forever. I know you have individuals, 
who still retain their virtue, and, consequent- 



195 MEMOIR OF 

ly, their honor and humanity. Those I really 
pity, as they must more or less suffer in the 
calamity, in which the nation is plunged 
headlong; but as a nation, I hate and despise 
you. 

"My aflections are Frenchified. — I glory 
in Louis the sixteenth, the generous and 
powerful ally of these States; am fond of a 
connection with so enterprising, learned, po- 
lite, courteous and commercial a nation, and 
am sure that I express the sentiments and 
feelings of all the friends to the present revo* 
lution. I begin to learn the French tongue, 
and reconmiend it to my countrymen, before 
Hebrew, Greek or Latin, (provided but one 
of them is to be attended to) for the trade 
and commerce of these States, in future, 
must inevitably shift its channel from Eng- 
land to France, Spain and Portugal; and, 
therefore, the statesman, politician and mer- 
chant, need be acquainted with their several 
languages, particularly the French, which is 
much in vogue, in most parts of Europe. — 
Nothing could have served so effectually to 
illuminate, pohsh and enrich these States, as 
the present revolution, as well as preserve 
their liberty. Mankind are naturally too na- 
tional, even to a degree of bigotry ; and com- 
mercial intercourse, with foreign nations, has 
a great and necessary tendency .to improve 
mankind, and erase the superstition of the 
mind by acquainting them that human na- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN 195 

ture, policy and interest, are the same, in all 
nations, and at the same time they are bar- 
tering commodities for the conveniences and 
happiness of each nation, they may recipro- 
cally exchange such part of their customs 
and manners as may be beneficial, and learn 
to extend charity and good will to the whole 
world of mankind. — I was confined in the 
provost gaol at New York, the 26th day of 
August, and continued there to the 3d day of 
May, 1778, when I was taken out under 
guard,, and conducted to a sloop in the har- 
bour at New York, in which I was guarded 
to Staten Island, to Gen. Campbell's quar- 
ters, where I was admitted to eat and drink 
with the General, and several other of the 
British field officers, and treated for two days 
in a polite manner. As I was drinking wine 
with them one evening, I made an observa- 
tion on my transition from the provost-crim- 
inals to the company of gentlemen; adding, 
that I was the same man still, and should 
give the British credit by him, (spealdng to 
the General) for two days good usage. 

"The next day Col. Archibald Campbell, 
who was exchanged for me^ came to this 
place, conducted by Mr. Boudinot, the then 
American commissary of prisoners, and sa- 
luted me in a handsome manner, saying that 
he never was more glad to see any gentle- 
man in his life; and I gave him to understand 
that I was equally glad to see him, and was 

17* 



197 MEMOIR OP 

apprehensive that it was from the same mo- 
tive. The gentleman present laughed at the 
fancy, and conjectured that sweet liberty 
was the foundation of our gladness ; so we 
took a glass of wine together, and then I 
was accompanied by Gen. Campbell, Col. 
Campbell, Mr. Boudinot, and a number of 
British officers, to the boat, which was rea- 
dy to sail to Elizabethtown Point. Mean 
while I entertained them with a rehearsal of 
the cruelties exercised towards our prison- 
ers ; and assured them that I should use my 
influence, that their prisoners should be treat- 
ed in future in the same manner, as they 
should, in future, treat ours ; that I thought 
it was right, in such extreme cases, that 
their example should be applied to their own 
prisoners ; then exchanged the decent cere- 
monies of compliment, and parted. I sailed 
to the point aforesaid, and, in a transport of 
joy, landed on liberty ground, and, as I ad- 
vanced into the country, received the accla- 
mations of a grateful people. 

''I soon fell into company with Col. Shel- 
den, of the light horse, who in a polite and 
obliging manner accompanied me to head- 
quarters, Valley Forge, where I was courte- 
ously received by Gen. Washington, with pe- 
culiar marks of approbation and esteem, and 
was introduced to most of the Generals, and 
many of the principal officers of the army, 
who treated me with respect, and after hav- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 198 

ing offered Gen. Washington my farther ser- 
vices, in behalf of my country, as soon as my 
heahh, which was very much impaired, would 
admit, and obtain his licence to return home, 
I took my leave of his Excellency, and set 
out from Valley Forge, with Gen. Gates and 
his suit for Fish Kill, where we arrived the 
latter end of May. In this tour, the Gener- 
al was pleased to treat me with the familiari- 
ty of a companion, and generosity of a lord, 
and to him 1 made known some striking cir- 
cumstances which occurred in the course of 
my captivity. — I then bid fare v^- ell to my no- 
ble General, and the gentleman of his reti- 
nue, and set out for Bennington, the capital 
of the Green Mountain Boys, where I arriv- 
ed the evening of the last day of May, to 
their great surprise ; for I' was, to them, as 
one rose from the dead, and now both their 
joy and mine was complete. Three cannon 
w^ere fired that evening, and next morning, 
Col. Herrick gave orders, and fourteen more 
were discharged, welcoming me to Benning- 
ton, my usual place of abode ; thirteen for 
the United States, and one for young Ver- 
mont." 



Having completed the history of the events 
connected with the captivity of Col. Allen, 
we now resume our account of the Contro- 
versy between the settlers on the New Hamp- 



199 MEMOIR OP 

shire Grants and the authorities of New 
York. 

The inhabitants of the Grants, were, at 
the period of which we now speak, (1775) 
without any settled form of government or 
bond of union. Common interest had, thus far, 
kept them together, and given energy and 
unanimity to their proceedings. The partial 
relief experienced, however, at the com- 
mencement of the war, from the oppression 
of New York, served to convince them of 
the weakness of their political ties, and of 
the necessity of a better internal organiza- 
tion. Accordingly at the close of the year 
1775, a number of influential individuals re- 
paired to Philadelphia, where the American 
Congress was then in session, with the intent 
to procure the advice of that body, relative 
to the best pohcy to be pursued, under the 
existing circumstances of the case. No for- 
mal measures were adopted by Congress, in 
relation to the subject ; but, upon the return 
of the gentlemen, a large number of circu- 
lars, setting forth the opinions of several in- 
fluential members of Congress, in favor of a 
temporary association, under proper regula- 
tions, were distributed among the people. 

In pursuance of these recommendations, a 
Convention of Delegates from the several 
towns, was assembled at Dorset, on the 1 6th 
of January, 1776 : — A petition was forward- 
ed to Congress, in which a brief sketch of 



COL. ETHAN ALLE.V. 



200 



the Controversy with New York was given, 
and their wilhngness avowed to bear their 
full proportion of the burden arising from 
the war. They, also, avowed their unwil- 
lingness to be considered, in any manner, sub- 
ject to the authority or jurisdiction of New 
York. The Committee of Congress, to 
whom the petition was referred, reported 
that it be recommended to the petitioners to 
submit, for the present, to the Government of 
New York, and assist their countrymen in 
the contest with Great Britain ; declaring 
that such submission ought not to prejudice 
their right to any land in controversy, or be 
construed to admit the jurisdiction of New 
York over the country, when the troubles 
should be ended. This petition, being con- 
sidered unfavorable to the Grants, by the 
Agent who presented it to Congress, vv^as with- 
drawn before it received the final action of 
that body. 

On the 4th of July, following the presenta- 
tion of the petition. Congress published to 
the world, our memorable Declaration of In- 
dependence. This placed the people of Ver- 
mont in a situation more difficult and em- 
barrassing than they were before ; and much 
speculation was afloat in regard to the 
course to be pursued. It was urged by some, 
that the settlers should immediately place 
themselves under the jurisdiction of New 
Hampshire — by others, that they should sub- 



201 MEMOIR OP 

mit to the authority of New-York. The 
more resolute and influential, were, however, 
lor assuming the powers of government, and 
hazarding the consequences. That the dif- 
ficulty might be amicably settled, the people 
assembled in Convention at Dorset, on the 
24th of July, 1776. An association was 
agreed upon for the defence of the country's 
liberties ; and a resolution v/as adopted, that 
they would not associate with,^or submit to, 
the provincial government of New York. — 
The Convention met again, by adjournment, 
on the 25th of September, and resolved unan- 
imously, "to take suitable measures, as soon 
as may be, to declare the New Hampshire 
Grants a free and separate District :" And, 
on the 1 5th of January following, at the third 
session of the Convention, it was declared, 
that "this Convention, whose members are 
duly chosen by the free voice of their constit- 
uents, in the several towns on the New Hamp- 
shire Grants, in' our own names^ and in be- 
half of our constituents, do hereby proclaim 
and publicly declare, that the district of ter- 
ritory comprehending, and usually known by 
the name and description of the New Hamp- 
shire Grants, of right ought to be, and is 
hereby declared ever after to be, a free and 
independent jurisdiction, or State : to be 
hereafter called, known and distinguished 
by the name of New Connecticut, or Ver- 
mont." This declaration was unanimously 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 202 

adopted by the Convention ; and a petition 
forwarded to Congress^ in which they an- 
nounced that they liad declared the territory, 
known as the New Hampshire Grants, a free 
and independent State ; and closed by pray- 
ing that they might be acknowledged by 
Congress, and that delegates, from Vermont, 
might be admitted to seats in that body. 

These measures ,were variously regarded 
by the neighboring States. New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, and Connecticut, werje wil- 
ling that Vermont should become a member 
of the confederacy ; but New York regard- 
ed the request as treason and rebellion to her 
authority. In this state of things, commu- 
nications, emanating from two different Con- 
ventions of the people of New York, were 
addressed to Congress, ip which the proceed- 
ings of Vermont were represented as result- 
ing from the acts and instigations of design- 
ing men ; and not from a desire of the in- 
habitants to renounce their allegiance. to the 
authority of New York. 

After the adoption ofvarious measures, by 
both Vermont and New York, Congress, at 
last, took up the matter^, and the communi- 
cations of both parties were referred to a 
committee of the whole ; which committee, 
among other things, resolved, "That Con- 
gress would not rccomfnend or countenance 
any thing injurious to the rights and juris- 
diction of the several communities herein 



203 MEMOIR OF 

represented." "That the inhabitants of the 
New Hampshire Grants cannot be justified 
in their declaration of Independence, by the 
example of the United Colonies, nor by any 
act or resolution of Congress." ''That the 
petition of Vermont, to be recognized as an 
Independent State, and to have her delegates 
admitted to seats in Congress, be dismissed." 

While these important matters were trans- 
acting in Congress, the people of Vermont 
were engaged in forming a Constitution for 
the regulation of their civil government. A 
Convention, composed of the same delegates 
which declared the Independence of Ver- 
mont, met at Windsor, on the first W^ednes- 
dav in June, and appointed a committee to 
make a draft of a State Constitution. A res- 
olution was, also, adopted, recommending to 
each town to elect delegates to meet in 
Convention, at Windsor, on the second day 
of June, following, for th^ purpose of dis- 
cussing and adopting said Constitution. The 
Convention met ; and a Constitution, after a 
long and serious discussion, was read and 
adopted. It was, however, revised at a sub- 
sequent Convention, which met at Windsor; 
and the first election took place under it, on 
the first Tuesday of March, 1778. 

The determination of Vermont to main- 
tain her independence, at all hazards, evi- 
dently contributed to eflect an alteration in 
the policy of New York : On the 23d of 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 201 

February, 1778, Gov. Clinton issued a Proc- 
lamation, in which he confirmed the titles of 
the settlers to their lands, in certain cases, 
find made several concessions, in their favor ; 
but the right of New York, to extend her 
jurisdiction over the Grants, was not relin- 
quished : The people were commanded, "at 
(heir peril to yield obedience and allegiance*' 
to New York, and, in all respects, to govern 
themselves as peaceable and quiet citizens. 
To this Proclamation, Ethan Allen, ever 
on the alert to detect political cunning, and 
willing to expose it, published the following 
answer : 

*'This Proclamation," says Col. All^^n, "af- 
ter mentioning a disaffection of many per- 
sons, inhabiting the north east parts of the 
county of Albany^ and certain parts of the 
counties of Charlotte^ Cumberland and Gloti- 
tester^ proceeds to affirm that these tracts of 
country were clearly included within the an- 
cient, original, true, and lately established 
bounds of the state of New York, 

That many, nay, almost the whole of the 
inhabitants in those counties, alias^ the state 
of Vermont^ are disaffected to the govern- 
ment oiKciv York, will not be disputed. This 
is a fact. But it is not a fact, that the an- 
cient, original, and true bounds oi Neto Yorh^ 
included those lands. The first intimatioa 
that ever saluted the ears of the public, as- 
serting this doctrine, wap. from a Proclanaa- 

18' 



205 MEMOIR OP 

tion of Gov. Tryon, dated the 11th day of 
December^ 177 1, which begins thus : "Where- 
as, it is the ancient and inqontestible right 
of this colony, to extend toConmcticutxiver^ 
as its eastern boundary." This assertion 
hath been answered, at large, in my treatise 
on the conduct of this government, tov^ards 
the Mm Hampshire settlers ; to which I refer 
the reader, and at present observe, that as 
the quoted assertions in these Proclama- 
tions, are wholly without foundation, they 
need only to be as positively denied as they 
are. asserted. The fact is, that the tract of 
land, vwhich now comprehends the state of 
Fcmwn^, was, universally, known to be in 
the government of .JVew Hampshire, Thus 
it was placed by all Geographers, in their 
maps, 'till the year .1764, w:hen the nowjEwg- 
iz-s/i King, for. certain political reasons, which 
I shall mention, extended the jurisdiction of 
.JS%w yo?'A: over the premises, by his special 
royal authority. At the time of the altera- 
tion of this jurisdiction, jealousies had fired 
the, minds of King and Parliament against 
the growth and rising power of ./^mmca, and 
at this time, they began to advance men and 
governments into power, with a politicalde- 
sign to crush the liberties o^ America, Mew 
York had ever been their favorite govern- 
ment. They could almost vie with Great 
Britain in the art of vasFalaging common 
people, and in erasing every idea of liberty; 



COL. ETHAN ALLEX. 206 

from the human mind, by making and keep- 
ing them poor and servile. This, Great Brit- 
ain well knew, and therefore fleeced a large 
territory from JVew Hampshire, and added it 
to JS^eiv York, to depress the power of the 
one, and enlarge and extend the other. A 
well concerted plan : but the green mountain 
boys disconcerted it, by throwing their weight 
into the scale of Congress, which, thank 
God, has fairly preponderated. Thus may 
be seen the design, as well as date, of the 
original, ancient and true bounds of the state 
of M'eio York, being extended over the state 
of Vermont ; and for the same reason, it was 
thus extended by Great Britain^ it will un- 
doubtedly be curtailed by Congress. 

As to the acts of outlawry, mentioned in 
the Proclamation, they died a natural death, 
the first day of January, 1776, as may be seen 
from the act itself, here quoted : "And be it 
further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
that this act shall remain and continue in full 
force and effect, from the passing thereof, 
until the first day of January, which will be 
in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven 
hundred and seventy six." 

The subjects of the state of Vermont, v/ere 
under no apprehensions from these old life- 
less acts. Nor do I conceive, that the pres- 
ent legislature of the state of JVew York have 
laid them under any obhgation, in granting 
them a pardon. It was a matter which for- 



207 MEMOIR OF 

merly respected Gov. Tryon^ the old legisla- 
ture of JWiv York^ and the green mountain 
boys ; and the party last mentioned, choose 
to settle that old quarrel with Mr. Tryon ; 
and resent it, that the legislature of the state 
of JYeiv York have so late in the day, under- 
took to give an "unconditional discharge 
and remission of all penalties and forfeitures 
incurred,*' under any act which had been 
long dead ; and which, when alive, served 
only to discover to the world, the wickedness 
and depravity of that legislative body which 
enacted them. In the lifetime of this act, I 
was called by the Yorkers^ an outlaw, and af- 
terwards, by the British^ Wcis called a rebel ; 
and I humbly conceive, that there was as 
much propriety in the one name as the other; 
and I verily believe, that the King's commis- 
sioners would now be as willing to pardon me 
for the sin of rebellion, provided I would, af- 
ternards, be subject to Britain^ as the legis- 
lature above mentioned, provided I would be 
subject to JVcio York ; and, I must confess, I 
had as lief be a subject to the one as the oth- 
er; and, it is well knoun, I have had great 
c-xpcrience in them both. 

Next, I propose to consider that part of 
the Proclamation, called overtures, which 
are contained in the three first articles. Ar- 
ticle 1st. "That all persons, actually pos- 
sessing and improving lands, by title under 
grants from JS'cic Hampshire or Massachusetts 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN'. 208 

Bay^ and not granted under JS'cw Yorh^ 
shall be coniirmod in their respective pos- 
sessions." 

This article cannot be considered of any 
material consequence, inasmuch as, among 
almost the whole possessions referred to in 
the article, there are but very few, if any, but 
what are covered wiiXiJS'ew York grants. 

The second article is as follows : "That 
all persons possessing and improving lands, 
not granted by either of the three govern- 
ments, shall be confirmed in their respective 
possessions, together with such additional 
quantity of vacant land, lying contiguous to 
each respective possession, as may be ne- 
cessary to form the same into a convenient 
farm, so as the quantity of land to be confirm- 
ed to each respective possession, shall not 
exceed three hundred acres."" 

Neither of these two first articles, called 
overtures, affect the controversy, except in 
some very ^^m instances ; inasmuch as all, 
or in a manner, all the possessions spoken of, 
were first granted by New Hampshire^ except 
some few which were granted by Massachu- 
setts Bay ; and then, lastly, almost the whole 
of those possessions were re-granted by Neio 
York. This being the case, what has been 
hitherto proposed, does not reach the es- 
sence of the controversy, as the J\*eio York- 
ers very well know ; besides, it is not in the 
power of the government to confirm any of 
18 • 



209 MEMOIR OF 

those possessions, which have been already 
granted, and therefore become the property 
of the grantees, as will be more fully discuss- 
ed in its proper place. I proceed to the third 
article of the much boasted overtures. 

"That where lands have been heretofore 
granted by JYew Hampshire and Massachusetts 
Bay, or either of them, and actually possess- 
ed in consequence thereof, and being so pos- 
sessed, were afterwards granted by JVew 
York ; such possession shall be confirmed, — 
the posterior grant under Mew York^ notwith- 
standing." 

Though it is absolutely out of the power 
of the said legislative authority, to confirm 
the possessions mentioned ; yet, to discover 
their want of generosity in their proposal, I 
shall, in the first place, consider what a tri- 
fling proportion of those possessions could 
be confirmed upon their own stating, inas- 
much as the confirming clause in the article, 
only confirms the possessor, who being so 
possessed at the time that the JYew York 
grant was laid ; and has no respect to any 
additional possession carried on after the 
grant took place. The identical words are, 
"And being so possessed, were afterwards 
granted by JYew York ;" viz. After such 
possession was actually made, and the pos- 
sessor being so in possession, at the time 
the grant topk place, such possession shall 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 210 

be confirmed ; but any later possession can- 
not be included in the condition of ''being so 
possessed ;" for, a later possession was no 
possession at all, at the time the condition 
of possession took place; and, consequently, 
every possession which has been begun in 
the state of Vermottf^ since the lands were 
granted by J\''eiv York^ must be lost to the 
possessor, and fall into the hands of the J\'ew 
York grantees, with all other uncultivated 
lands in the state ; and all our purchases of 
those lands from JVew Hampshire and Massa- 
chusetts Bay^ fall to the ground, together with 
our possessions, Avhich have been increased 
an hundred fold. 

These overtures have hitherto been con- 
sidered only in a grammatical and logical 
sense, allowing them their own construction. 
I now proceed to consider them in a law 
sense. A legislative authority, within its 
own jurisdiction, may confirm a possession 
on vacant land, by making a grant of the 
same to the possessor. But, for the legisla- 
tive authority of the state of JVew York^ to 
pretend, as they do in their Proclamation, to 
vacate any grants made by their own author- 
ity, in favor of any possession, and to con- 
firm such possessions, by nullifying and de- 
feating their own grants, is the height of 
folly and stupidity : for, the lands being once 
granted, the property passeth to the grantee; 



211 MEMOIR OF 

who is become the sole proprietor of the 
same ; and he is as independent of that le- 
gislative authority, which granted it, as any 
person may be supposed to be, who purchas- 
eth a farm of land of me by deed of convey- 
ance : and it is as much out of the power of 
that legislature to vacate a grant made by 
them, or the same authority, in favor of any 
possessor, as it is out of my power to vacate 
my deed of conveyance in favor of some se- 
cond person. It is contrary to common sense 
to suppose, that the property of the subject 
is at the arbitrary disposalof the legislature : 
if it was, they might give a grant to day, and 
vacate it to morrow, and so on, ad infinitum. 
This would destroy the very nature and ex- 
istence of personal property, as the whole 
would depend on the sovereign will and last 
act of the legislature. But the truth of the 
matter is, the first conveyance will, and ought 
to hold good ; and this defeats all subse- 
quent conveyances. 

From what has been said on this subject, 
it appears, that the overtures in the Procla- 
mation set forth, are either romantic, or cal- 
culated to deceive woods people, who, in 
general, may not be supposed to understand 
law, or the power of a legislative authority. 

I have further to evince my arguments on 
this subject, by the concurring opinion of the 
Lords of the Board of Trade, on complaint 



COL. ETHAN ALLErC. 212 

made to them from those very persons, pos- 
sessing the land we are speaking of. That 
clause of their report which is similar to 
what I have argued, is in these words : — 
*'Such subsequent grants made by the gov- 
ernment of New York, however unwarranta- 
ble, cannot be set aside by any authority 
from his Majesty, in case the grantees shall 
insist on their title." 

Thus it appears, in a trial (of the same 
case we are treating of) before the board of 
trade, that the King, under whose authority 
the government of JYew York had, in an op- 
pressive manner, granted those very lands, 
could not, by his royal authority, vacate or 
set aside the grants : yet, the present legis- 
lative authority of the state of JVew Yorlc^ 
proclaim to the world, and pledge the faith of 
government, that they will do it. But enough 
has been said on the impossibility of it, a? 
well as on the ungenerousness of the propo- 
sal : and as to the quii-rents, the general as- 
sembly of the state of Vennont^ will deter- 
mine their expediency, and probably release 
them all. 

What has been observed, answers every 
part of the Proclamation worth notice, as 
the five last articles had an entire reference 
to the three first ; though it may be worth 
observing, that the time of compliance with 
those overtures are run out ; and it is my 



213 MEMOIR OF 

opinion, that but few of the subjects of the 
state of Vermont have closed with them.-^ 
The main inducement I had in answering 
them, was, to draw a full and convincing 
proof from the same, that the shortest, best, 
and most eligible, 1 had almost said, the on- 
ly possible, way of vacating those JVew York 
interfering grants, is, to maintain inviolable 
the supremacy of the legislative authority of 
the independent state of Vermofit. This, at 
one stroke, overturns every JYew York 
scheme, which may be calculated for our 
ruin ; makes us free men, confirms our prop- 
erty, "and puts it fairly in our power to help 
ourselves" to the enjoyment of the great 
blessings of a free, uncorrupted and virtuous 
civil government. 

Bennington^ August 9, 1778."^ 

The declaration of their independence. By 
the people of Vermont, gave occasion to 
numerous new difficulties. No sooner had 
she organized a government, thaai the inhab- 
itants of sixteen towns, bordering on Con- 
necticut river, in New Hampshire, manifest- 
ed a disposition to dissolve their connexion 
with that State, and unite with Vermont. In 
justification ofthe separation, it was contend- 
ed "that all the lands, West of the Mason 
line, being royal grants, had been held in 
subjection to the government of New Hamp- 
shire, by force of the royal commissions, 



COL. ETHAN ALI4EN, 214 

which were vacated hy the assumed inde- 
pendence of the American iColonies, and, 
therefore, the inhabitants of those grants had 
reverted to a state of nature," aad were at 
hberty to form whatever pohtical connexion 
they thought proper. In pursuance of this 
determination, they presented a petition to 
the Legislature of Vermoiit, on the 1 2th of 
March, 1778, praying for admission into its 
union. This apphcation greatly eniharrass- 
,ed the Legislature : but,;at its June session, 
it was voted that the union take place : thir- 
ty-seven being in the aftirmative, and twelve 
in the negiative. 

The government of New HampBhire was 
justly incensed at these proceedings. xMr. 
Ware, President of the Council of that State, 
addresseda letter to Congress, on the 19th 
of August, to procure advice in relation to 
the subject : and on the 22d of August, in 
the name of the General Assembly, he wrote 
to Governor Chittenden, of Vermont, claim- 
ing the sixteen towns, as a part of New 
Hampshire. On the reception of this com- 
munication. Governor Chittenden convened 
the Council, and it was agreed that Colo- 
nel Ethan Allen should proceed to Phila- 
delphia, and learn in what light the pro- 
ceedings of Vermont were regarded by 
Congress. Qn his return, he made the. fol- 
lowing report : 



215 MEMOIR OF 

**To his Excellency the Governor, the Hon- 
^curable the Council, and to the Represent- 
,atives of the freemen of the State of Ver- 
mont, in General Assembly met* 
Gentlemen, 

The subscriber hereto, begs leave to mako 
tte following report, viz. 

By the desire , of his Excelleiicy, and at the 
reqi^est of several of the members ofthe hon- 
ourable the Council, to me, made in Septem- 
ber last, I have taken a journey to Philadel- 
phia, in order to gain knowledge how the 
political situation of the State of Vermont 
stood, in the view of ;Congj^ess ; which I 
here. exhibit. 

On th« i6th day of September last, I .^m 
inforpied by members of Congress, that .the 
delegates from the State of New Hampshire 
exhibited to Congress, a remonstrance, 
(which they Imd, previously, received from 
the council and assembly of said state) 
agaipst the proceedings of the state of Ver- 
mont, with respect to their taking into union 
a number of towns, on tlie east side of Con- 
necticut river, and in their inviting other 
to w^s to revolt from New Hampshire ; a .co- 
py of which I, herewith, exhibit : a matter 
vhich, they alledge, was incompatible with 

• At thifi session of (he Legislature, representa- 
^ix'es from ten of the sixteen towns on the east ««ide 
of Connecticut river, took their seata in the Geae- 
»ai Assembly. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 217 

the right of New Hampshire, and an infringe- 
ment on the confederacy of the United States 
of America ; and, therefore, desired the con- 
gress to take the matter under consideration, 
and grant some order thereon, to prevent the 
effusion of blood, and the confusion and dis- 
orders which would, otherwise, inevitably en- 
'sue. 

The delegates from New York, at the same 
time, exhibited to congress sundry papers, 
containing allegations against the State of 
Vermont, which, after some altercations, 
were admitted; and it was agreed that the 
same, together with the remonstrance from 
the state of New Hampshire, should be tak- 
en under consideration, on the afternoon of 
the 18th, by a committee of the whole house : 
at which time it was moved to be brought 
forward, but urgent business occasioned its 
being deferred to the 19th ; at which time I 
arrived at Philadelphia, and being, immedi- 
ately, informed of the business by some of 
the members of congress, I used my influence 
against its being hastily determined ex parte ; 
and particularly objected to the complaints 
from'the States of New Hampshire and New 
York, their being both considered at the 
same time, alledging that they were of a ve- 
ry different nature. And, in consequence of 
this, together with my earnest request and 
application, I obtained assurance that the 
matter should not be brought to a decision, 
19 



218 MEMOIR OF 

before I could have an opportunity to lay tho 
matter before this people ; as I had, previ- 
ously^ let the members of congress know, 
that the assembly of tbis state was to sit at 
this time ; and I engaged to transmit the 
proceedings of this assembly to .congress, as 
soon as they transpired, at their reqiiest. 

The allegations, throwJi by New York, re- 
ceived a most severe shock on the perusal 
of my late pa^^phlet in answer to his Excel- 
lency Governor Clinton's prac.lamation, da- 
ted in February last, containing certain over- 
tures to the inhabitaiits,of this sl^te ; as well 
us from my large treatise .on the nature and 
merit .of the New York claii^i, and their treat- 
ment to ,the inhabitants of this no.w State of 
Vermoj^t. In hne, the New York complaints 
will never pjove .of ^uflicient force in con- 
gress, to prev^^^Bt the estahlislmie^nt of thig 
fetate. But, fro^ii what I have heard And seen 
of the disfipprobation, at cqngrefis, of the 
union with sundry to^vns, east of Connecticut 
river, I am sufficiently authorised to .offer it 
as my opinion, that, except this state recedjQ 
from such .union, immediately, the whole pow- 
er of stlie confederacy of the United States of 
America v/ill join to annihilate the State of 
Yermofo^t, and to viiidicate the righC of New 
Hampshire, ?aiid to maintain, inviolate, tha 
articles of confederation, which guaranteQ 
to each State, their privileges and immuui- 
ties. 



COL. ETHAN AJLLEX, 219 

Tlius, gentlemen, I have given you a short 
representation of the poUtical situation of 
this State, as it now stands in the general 
congress of the United States of America, 
upon which I stake my honour. 

Given under my hand., at Windsor j this i 0/A 
dm, of October, X D, 1778. 

ETHAN ALLEN.^' 

The discussion of the question, relative to 
the union with the sixteen towns in New 
Hampshire, occupied the consideration of 
the Vermont Legislature, for several succes- 
sive sessions ; and on i\\Q 12th of February, 
1779, it was voted that the tinion be dissolv- 
ed. This determination was immediately 
communicated to the government of New 
Hampshire, by Ira Allen, and the Legislature 
of that State, encouraged hj the concession 
of Vermont, and by the divisions existing in 
many of her frontier towns, now resolved to 
lay claim, not only to the sixteen towns, which 
had united with Vermont, but to the whole 
territory, as grants, originally made to that 
Province. Congress was applied to for a 
confirmation of this claim ; and, at the same 
period, New York made a similar application 
to the same body. In this position of affairs, 
the State of Massachusetts interposed, and 
laid a claim to a portion of the territory, as 
within her jurisdiction : and thus was Ver- 
mont subjected, in order to maintain her in- 
dependence, to struggle against the claims 



220 MEMOIR OF 

of these adjoining States, without the coun- 
tenance of the Continental Congress to her 
proceedings. 

Vermont was still involved in the controversy 
with New York, during the troubles resulting 
from the union with a part of New Hampshire. 
The same spirit still prevailed with both par- 
ties, to sustain their own measures at all haz- 
ards. On the 7th ofJuly, 1778, the Governor of 
New York wrote to his adherents in Vermont, 
recommending that wherever the friends of 
New York were sufficiently powerful, "firm 
resistance should be made to the draught- 
ing of men, the raising of taxes, and to all 
the acts of the 'ideal State of Vermont ;' and 
that "associations be formed for mutual de- 
fence against this usurpation." 

In conformity to the expressed wishes of 
Governor Clinton, a Convention of the 
friends of New York, met at Brattleborough, 
on the 4th of May, 1779. After organizing, 
a petition, to the Governor of New York, was 
drawn up, in which they stated that the "ide- 
al State of Vermont" was proceeding to con- 
fiscate their property ; and they, therefore, 
"entreated his Excellency to take immediate 
measures for protecting the legal subjects of 
that part of the State, and for convincing 
Congress of the impropriety of delaying a 
decision in a matter which so nearly con- 
cerned the peace, welfare and Hves of so ma- 
ny of their firm adherents." A military as- 



€0L. ETHAN ALLIEN 221 

sociation was, also, formetl about the same 
time, for the purpose of resisting the author- 
ity of Vermont. 

In consequence of these proceedings, on 
the part of New York, tlie Governor of Yer- 
rnont gave orders to Ethan Allen, to call out 
the naihtia. ¥/hen informed of this move- 
ment, CoL Patterson^ who held a commission 
in the county of Cumberland, under the New 
York authority, addressed a letter to Gover- 
nor Clinton, lor dircctious relative to the 
emergency of the case, and suggesting the 
propriety and necessity of receiving assist- 
iincQ from the military force of the county of 
Albany. In answer to this communication, 
the Governor gave assurances of protection ; 
and recommended that "the authority of Ver- 
mont should not be acknowledged, except in 
the alternative of submission or inevitable 
ruin.'' 

Governor Clinton, on the 1 8th of May, fol- 
lowing, wrote to the President of Congress, 
in regard to the difficulties existing between 
the two States — declaring, "that matters were 
fast approaching a very serious crisis, which 
nothing but the immediate interposition of 
Congress, could possibly prevent :" that he 
"daily expected he should be obliged to order 
out a force for the defence of those who ad- 
hered to Nev/ York :" that the wisdom of 
Congress would suggest to them what would 
be the consequence of submitting the con- 
19 * 



222 MKMOIR OF 

troversy, especially at this juncture, to the 
decision of the sword ; but, that justice, the 
faith of government, the peace and safety of 
society, would not permit them to continue 
any longer, passive spectators of the vio- 
lence committed on their fellow citizens.'^ — 
This letter, together with several other doc- 
uments, relating to the controversy, were 
laid before Congress, on the 29th of May, 
1779, and referred to a committee of the 
whole. On the first day of June, Congress 
resolved that "a committee be appointed to 
repair to the inhabitants of a certain district, 
known by the name of the New Hampshire 
Grants, and enquire into the reasons why they 
refuse to continue citizens of the respective 
States, which have claimed jurisdiction over 
the said district : and that they take every 
prudent measureto promote an amicable set- 
tlement; and to prevent divisions and ani- 
mosities, so prejudicial to the United States.'* 
While the foregoing matters were engag- 
ing the attention of Congress, Col. Allen, 
inarched with an armed force, and made 
prisoners of Col. Patterson, and others, act- 
ing under the New York authority. Com- 
plaint was immediately made to Governor 
Clinton, and a letter was addressed by him to 
Congress, wherein he stated what had taken 
place, disapproved ofthe before mentioned re- 
solutions of Congress, and requested that the 
committee appointed to repair to the New 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 223 

Hampshire Grants, might postpone their visit 
until after the ensuing session of the New 
York Legislature. On the 16th of June, it 
was resolved, by Congress, that the officers 
captured by Col. Allen, should be set at lib- 
erty ; and that the committee referred to, be 
directed to inquire into the circumstances 
connected with the transaction. Two, only, 
of the committee, attended to the duty as- 
signed them : and, owing to the excited state 
of public feeling, they failed to accomphsh 
the object of their mission. 

Several communications were forwarded 
to Congress, by the people of Vermont, in 
relation to their rights, which severally en- 
gaged the attention of that body ; and the 
final consideration of them was "postponed 
until the 2d Tuesday in September, 1780. Ira 
Allen and Stephen R. Bradley, were appoint- 
ed Agents of Vermont, to attend to the sub- 
ject, and see that she received her due share 
of justice. The matter was taken up by 
Congress, on the 19th of September — the 
Agents of Vermont being permitted to be 
present, but not as the Representatives of 
any State, or as the delegates of a body of 
people invested with legislative authority. — 
Efforts were made by both New Hampshire 
and New York, to prove their respective 
claims to the disputed territory ; and it soon 
appeared evident to the Agents, that Ver- 
mont was not regarded as a pany to the <?oii- 



SZl MEMOIR OF 

trovcrsy ; but that Congress, in attempting 
to <lecide between New Hampshire and New 
York, did not recognize her existence as a 
distinct jurisdiction. 

These proceedings were viewed with alarra 
and indignation by the Agents of Verraont; 
and an imniediate withdrawal of their at- 
tendance was the consequence. On the 22d 
of September, they transmitted a Remon- 
strance to Congress, in which they '^lament 
t le necessity which obhges them to say, tl^at 
they can no longer sit as idle spectators, 
without betraying the trust reposed in them, 
and doing violence to their own feelings, to 
see partial modes pursued, plans adopted, 
ex parte evidence exhibited, wdiich derives ail 
authority ironi the attestation of the party — 
passages in v/ritings selected, giving a very 
false representation of facts, to answer no 
other end but to prejudice your honorable 
body against the State of Vermont ; thereby 
to intrigue and baffle a brave and ineritorious 
])eople out of their rights and liberties.-' — 
They further say, that they '-are willing to 
agree upon some one or more of the Legis- 
latures of the disinterested States, to inter- 
pose as mediators, and settle the dispute ;^ 
and conclude by observing, that if Congress 
continue the exercise of her unjust policy, 
they *'stand ready to appeal to God and the 
world, who must be accountable for the aw^- 
ful consequences that must ensue." The sub- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 225 

ject of the controversy again occupied the 
attention of Congress, on the 27th of Sep- 
tember ; when the further consideration of it 
was postponed. 

The poUcy of Congress, in postponing the 
decision of the controversy, did not receive 
the cordial acquiescence of Vermont. It 
shewed, it is true, that her claims to inde- 
pendence, were partially recognized ; yet it 
had a direct tendency to protract the final 
adjustment of those claims. In this state of 
affairs, she resolved upon the policy of ex- 
tending her territory, and thereby increasing 
her power, and placing herself in a more im- 
posing attitude. She was not unaware, that 
a majority of the inhabitants in the Western 
part of New Hampshire, were still anxious to 
come within her jurisdiction ; and to facih- 
tate the accomplishment of this object, a 
Convention, composed of representatives 
from forty-three towns, assembled at Charles- 
town on the 16th of January, 1781 : but the 
result was extremely mortifying : as it was 
found that a majority of the representatives 
were opposed to the proposed union. A 
committee, however, was appointed by the 
Convention, for the purpose of conferring 
with Vermont on the subject ; and on the 
10th of February, they informed the Legis- 
lature of Vermont, then in session at Wind- 
sor, that "the Convention of the New Hamp- 
shire towns, was desirous of being united 



226 MEMOIR OP 

witli Vermont, in one separate government, 
upon such principles as should be mutuallj 
tiiought the most equitable and beneficial to 
the State." On the report of the committee, 
to whom it had been referred, the Legislature 
resolved, that "in order to quiet the present 
disturbances on the two sides of Connecti- 
cut River, and the better to enable the in- 
habitants to defend their frontier, the Legis- 
lature of this State do lay ^jurisdictional claim 
to all the lands East of the Connecticut Riv- 
er, North of Massachusetts, West of Mason'i 
line, and South of latitude 45°: but that they 
will not, for the time being, exercise said ju- 
risdiction." 

A Convention of the towns, in New Hamp- 
shire, anxious for the proposed union, was^ 
at this period, in session at Cornish, on the 
opposite side of the river ; and communica- 
tions in relation to the matter in agitation, 
were repeatedly exchanged between tho 
committees of this body and the Legislature 
of Vermont. The articles of union were, 
finally, agreed upon — stipulating that the 
Vermont Constitution should be adopted by 
the towns in New Hampshire — that applica- 
tion should be made to Congress, for admis- 
sion into the Union — that "full act of oblivi- 
on be passed, for former offences, by person? 
who professed themselves subjects of tli© 
State of New York," and that the Legisla- 
ture should call on all the towns, in the Stat^ 



COL. ETHAN ALLE.X. 227 

of Vermont, and also on all the towns on tl>o 
New Hampshire Grants, East of Connecti- 
cut River, relative to the projected union ; 
and "that the votes of each town, should be 
returned to the Assembly, at their adjourned 
session, on the first Wednesday of April lol- 
lov/ing : and, on condition that two-thirds of 
the towns., in the State of Vermont, at a le- 
gal town meeting, vote for the union, and, al- 
so, two-thirds ot the towns on the New- 
Hampshire Grants, East of Connecticut 
lliver,^ then the union should take place, and 
the New Hampshire towns be at liberty to 
send representatives to the Legislature. At 
the session of the Legislature, in April fol- 
lowing, it appeared that thirty-six towns \;erQ 
in favor of the union, and seven opposed to 
it. The union was, therefore consummated ; 
and thirty-five Representatives accordingly 
took their seats from the towns on the Ea^^t 
side of Connecticut River. 

In consequence of the unjustifiable meas- 
ures of N;ew York, and the repeated solicita- 
tions from several towns, in that State, bor- 
dering on Vermont, to be received into 
union, the Legislature, on the 1 1th of Februa- 
ry, 1781, laid jurisdictional claim to all iho 
lands West of her present territory, and 
East of Hudson's River to the head thereof, 
and thence East of a North line, extending 
to the 45th degree of north latitude — provi- 
ding, that this jurisdiction should not be ex- 



228 MEMOIR OF 

ercised for the time being. On the 1 1th of 
April, however, the Legislature of Vermont 
appointed a committee to attend a Conven- 
tion of delegates from the towns in New- 
York, desiring an union, and make the re- 
quisite arrangements for eftecting it. The 
Convention met at Cambridge, on the 1 5th 
of May — the articles of union were agreed 
to, by both parties ; and, on the 16th of June, 
following, they were confirmed by the Legis- 
lature of Vermont, and Representfitives from 
these tovvns were admitted to seats in that 
body. 

The people of Vermont having been driv- 
en, by the refusal of Congress, to recognize 
their claims to independence, and by the op- 
position they experienced on every quarter, 
to the necessity of maintaining their rights 
unaided, wisely determined to pursue that 
course of policy which would secure their 
safety and independence, against the en- 
croachments of the British on the North, and 
the stratagems of their enemies in other sec- 
tions. The British Generals, in America, 
had, for a long period, entertained the hope 
of turning the disputes between Vermont and 
the other States, to their own advantage, by 
detaching that section of territory from the 
American cause, and making it a British 
Province. The first intimation of this plan 
was communicated by Col. Beverly Robinson 
to Col. Ethan Allen, in a letter dated the 30th 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 229 

of March, 1780. It was delivered to Col. 
Allen, by a British soldier, in disguise, in the 
streets of Arlington. Col. Robinson com- 
menced his letter by hoping that his propo- 
sals would be received with the same good 
intention with which he m.ade them : and 
proceeded to say, that he had often been in- 
formed that Col. Allen and most of the in- 
habitants of Vermont, were opposed to the 
wild and chimerical scheme of the Ameri- 
cans in attempting to separate from Great 
Britain, and to estabhshan independent gov- 
ernment of their own ; and that he would 
willingly assist in uniting America to Great 
Britain, and in restoring that happy consti- 
tution so wantonly and unadvisedly destroy- 
ed. "If I have been rightly informed," pro- 
ceeds the writer, "and these should be your 
sentiments and inchnations, I beg that you 
will communicate to me, without reserve, 
whatever proposals you would wish to make 
to the commander-in-chief; and, I hereby 
promise, that I will faithfully lay them before 
him according to your directions ; and I flat- 
ter myself I can do it to as good effect, as 
any person whatever. I can make no propo- 
sals to you until I know your sentiments ; 
but think, upon your taking an active part, 
and embodying the inhabitants of Vermont, 
in favor of the crown of England, to act as 
the commander-in-chief shall direct, that 
you may obtain a separate government under 
20 



230 MExMOIR OF 

the King and Constitution of England, and 
the men, formed into regiments under such 
officers as you shall recommend, be on the 
same footing as all the provincial corps are. 
If you should think proper to send a friend of 
your own here, with proposals to the General, 
he shall be protected, and well treated, and 
allowed to return whenever he pleases." The 
contents of this letter were immediately 
communicated, by Col. Allen, to the Govern- 
or and other confidential persons, who unan- 
imously agreed that it would be impolitic to 
return an answer. 

On the 2d of February., 1781, Col. Robin- 
son addressed a second letter to Col. Allen, 
inclosing a copy of the former one, in which 
he says — ^'The frequent accounts we have 
had, for three months past, from your part of 
the country, confirms me in the opinion I had, 
of your inclination to join the King's cause, 
and assist in restoring America to her former 
peaceable and happy constitution. This in- 
duces me to make another trial in sending 
this to you : especially, as I can write with 
niore aulhority, and assure you that you may 
obtain the terms menticned in the above let- 
ter, provided you and the people of VcTmont 
take a decisive and active part with us.'- — 
To this communication, Col. Robinson re- 
quested .an answer ; and, also, that some 
method might be pointed cut for carrying on 
a future correspondence. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN, 



231 



No answer was returned to either of these^ 
letters by Col. Allen; but on the 9th of 
March, 1781, he inclosed them in a commu- 
nication to Congress. In this letter, convin- 
ced of the integrity of his conduct, and the 
justice of the measures contended for by the 
people of Vermont, he observed-— ''I am con- 
fident that Congress will not dispute my sin- 
cere attachment to the cause of my country, 
though I do not hesitate to say, I am fully 
grounded in opinion, that Vermont has an 
indubitable right to agree on terms of a ces- 
sation of hostilities with Great Britain, pro- 
vided the United States persist in rejecting 
her application for an union with them : for 
Vermont, of all people, would be the most 
miserable, were she obliged to defend the in- 
dependence of the United (claiming) States, 
and they, at the same time, at full liberty to 
overturn and ruin the independence of Ver- 
mont. I am persuaded, when Congress con- 
sider tli| circumstances of this State, they 
will be more surprised that I have transmit- 
ted them the inclosed letters, than that I liave 
kept them in custody so long ; for I am as 
resolutely determined to defend the indepen- 
dence of Vermont, as Congress are that of 
the United States -, and rather than fail, will 
retire with the hardy Green Mountain Boys, 
into the desolate caverns of the mountains, 
and wage war with human nature at large." 

This negociation was continued between 



232 MEMOIR OF 

Vermont and Canada, until the year 1782 — 
having in its effects, not only served to pro- 
tect the state from the ravages of the British 
troops, but also to lessen the difficulties at- 
tendant upon her admission into the Federal 
Union ; and, to the firmness and patriotism 
of Col. Allen, in this difficult matter, may be 
attributed, in a great measure, the many ad- 
vantages which resulted from it. 

During the negociation with the British 
authorities, the primary cause of it was not 
forgotten or neglected by the people of Ver- 
mont. Their efforts were still continued to 
advance her internal interests, and procure 
an acknowledgement of her claim to an ad- 
mission into the Union. In consequence of 
her unceasing efforts, to this effect, a com- 
mittee of Congress, on the 20th of August, 
1781, made a report, in relation to the sub- 
ject, to that body : whereupon, the following 
resolution was adopted : 

'-^ Resolved^ That it be an indispensable pre- 
liminary to the recognition of the independ- 
ence of the people inhabiting the territory 
called Vermont, and their admission into the 
federal union, that they explicitly relinquish 
all demands of lands or jurisdiction on the 
east side of the west bank of the Connecti- 
cut River, and on the west side of a line, be- 
ginning at the north-west corner of the State 
of Massachusetts, thence running twenty 
miles east of Hudson's River, so far as the 



eOL. ETHAN ALX.EX. Zao 

said River runs north easterly in its general 
course ; then by the west bounds of the town- 
ships granted by the late government ofNew 
Hampshire, to the River running from Soutl) 
Bay to Lake Champlain, thence along the 
said River to Lake Champlain, to the latitude 
of 4^f north ; excepting a neck of land be- 
tween MissisqueBay and the winters of Lake 
Champlain," 

Botli the States of Vermont and New York 
were dissatislied with this resolution— the 
;>ne because it stipulated, as the condition of 
iier admission into the confederacy, the dis- 
solution of her unions with the adjoining 
States, and the other because it recognized 
the justness of a claim against which she liad 
ono^ and strenuously contended. The sub- 
.ect was taken up, by a committee of the 
Legislature of Vermont, on the 17th of Oc- 
tober, 1781 — when it was resolved as the 
''•opinion of this committee, that the Legis- 
lature cannot comply with the resolution, 
without destroying the foundation of the pres- 
ent universal harmony and agreement that 
subsists in this State, and a violation of sol- 
emn compact entered into by articles of 
union and confederation." 

The political condition of Vermont, was 
now in every respect, extremely alarming ; 
and all parties trembled at the fearful ap- 
proach of civil war, Fortunately, however, 
for the prosperity of those concerned, Gov. 
20 * 



234 MEMOIR OF 

Chittenden received a letter from General 
Washington, dated January 1, 1782, in which 
he remarked — "It is not my business, nor do 
I think it necessary, now to discuss the origin 
of the right of a number of inhabitants, to 
that tract of country, formerly distinguished 
by the name of the New Hampshire Grants, 
and now by that of Vermont. I will take it 
for granted, that their right was good, be- 
cause Congress, by their resolve of the 7th 
of August, imply it ; and by that of the 20th, 
are willing fully to confirm it, provided the 
new State is confined to certain described 
bounds. It appears, therefore, to me, that 
the dispute of boundary is the only one that 
exists ; and, that being removed, all other 
difliculties would be removed also, and the 
matter terminate to the satisfaction of all 
parties. You have nothing to do but to with- 
draw your jurisdiction to the confines of your 
own limits, and obtain an acknowledgement 
of independence and sovereignty, under the 
resolve of the 20th of August, for so much 
territory as does not interfere with the an- 
cient established bounds of New Hampshire, 
New York and Massachusetts. In my pri- 
vate opinion, w hile it behoves the delegates 
to do ample justice to a people, sufficiently 
respectable by their members, and entitled, 
by other claims, to be admitted into the con- 
federation, it becomes them, also, to attend 
to the interests of their constituents, and see. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 235 

tliat under the appearance of justice to one, 
they do not materially injure the others. I 
am apt to think this is the prevailing opinion 
of Congress." 

The advice of Washington had a power- 
ful effect upon the minds of the people of 
Vermont. He was endeared to them by his 
many sacrifices in the cause of iimerican In- 
dependence, and by the examples of his pri- 
vate virtues : At the next meeting of the 
Legislature, at Bennington, the communica- 
tion was laid before them : and, on the 22d 
of February, it was resolved to comply with 
the preliminary requirement of the resolution 
of Congress, and relinquish all claims to the 
territory therein described, originally attach- 
ed to other districts. 

The determination of the Legislature of 
Vermont, on the 18th of October, heretofore 
referred to, had been communicated to Con- 
gress ; and much warmth of feeling was ex- 
hibited upon the subject, in that body. It 
was resolved, among other things, 'Hhat, if 
Vermont did not, within one month from tlie 
time this resolution was communicated to 
Go^- Chittenden, comply with the resolution 
of the 20th of August, and relinquish her 
jurisdiction beyond the bounds therein nam- 
ed, such neglect and refusal would be regard- 
ed as an indication of hostility to the United 
States." Previous to the adoption of this 
resolution, the agents of Vermont arrived at 



236 MEMOIR OP 

Philadelphia, when Congress were informed 
that the requirement, prehminary to the re- 
cognition of her independence, had been 
comphed with by Vermont ; and, that tho 
condilional promise of such recognition, w^as, 
consequently, bhiding upon Congress. Tlie 
subject, however, did not receive its due 
share of attention, and the agents, disap- 
pointed in their hopes, returned liome. 

The subject was again taken up by Con- 
gTess, on the 5th of December ; but instead 
of fulfilhng their engagements to Vermont^ 
made by the resolution of the 'iOth of Au- 
gust, 1781, their proceedings were charac- 
terized by bitter invective against the pecpl"^ 
of that State, for having exercised authority 
over certain individuals professing allegiance 
to New York, in violation of the resolutions 
of Congress, passed on the 24th of Septem- 
ber, 1779, and on the 2d of June, 1780 : and 
it was resolved, "that Vermont be required 
to make full restitution to the persons con- 
demned to banishment, or confiscation of 
property, and that they be not molested on 
their return to said District." It was further 
resolved "that the United States will take ef- 
fectual measures to enforce a comphanco 
with the aforesaid resolution, in case the 
same shall be disobeyed by the people of the 
said District." 

These measures completely w^eakencd tlie 
faith of the people of Vermont in the wis- 



COL. ETHAN ALLEX. 237 

dom and integrity of Congress, and, nearly 
destroyed their hopes of obtaining redress 
from that body. However, a spirited remon- 
strance, to the foregoing proceedings, was 
forwarded to Congress, by the Governor and 
Council of Vermont, in which the whole facts 
in the case were set forth, in a plain and un- 
varnished manner, and a request made, in 
conclusion, that Vermont might be admitted 
into the union. In consequence of this re- 
monstrance, and other corresponding meas- 
ures. Congress did not judge it politic to at- 
tempt to carry into effect her resolutions of 
the 5th of December. 

In the southeastern section of the State of 
Vermont, at its first organization, were ma- 
ny individuals opposed to its independence, 
and, of course, friendly to the claims of New 
York. These persons eagerly embraced ev- 
ery opportunity to embarrass the State ; and, 
on several occasions, openly resisted its au- 
thority. This opposition was principally con- 
fined to the town of Guilford — at that peri- 
od, the most populous village in the State. — 
The two parties in this town, (the friends of 
Vermont and those of New York,) had each 
an organization of their own ; and, in some 
cases, there were two sets of town officers. 
Between these, and their friends, frequent 
skirmishes occurred, which not unfrequently 
ended in bloodshed. The enmity of these 
parties was carried to an alarming extent 



23$ 



MEMOIR OF 



during the years 1783 and 1784. Social or- 
der was entirely at an end ; and even Physi- 
cians were not allowed to pursue their avo- 
cations, without procuring a pass from the 
several committees. In this unpleasant state 
of affairs, Col. Ethan Allen, (at that period 
invested with the command of the military 
forces of Vermont,) was directed to call out 
the militia, for the purpose of enforcing the 
laws, and of suppressing the symptoms of 
civil war exhibited among the people of 
Windham county. In accordance with these 
directions, he marched from Bennington with 
a force of about one hundred Green Moun- 
tain Boys ; and, upon his arrival at Guilford, 
he issued the following unique Proclamation : 
^^ly Ethan Alleyi^ declare^ that unless the people of 
Guilford^ peaceably submit to the authority of 
Vermont^ 1 urill make the town as desolate as were 
the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah .'" The 
"Yorkers" were fired upon by Col. Allen and 
his men, and pursued ; and all either taken 
prisoners or dispersed. Marshal law was es- 
tablished by Col. Allen; and, under it, a 
large proportion of the property, belonging 
to the tories and dissenters, was sold for the 
benefit of the State. 

Very little alteration was effected in the 
government of Vermont for several years af- 
ter the close of the war. After the adoption 
of the Federal Constitution, however, the 
policy and proceedings of Congress were 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 239 

critically observed by the people of that State. 
Their measures b^ing marked by wisdom 
and prudence, had the effect of gaining the 
confidence of the people, and of removing 
the aversion, which had been expressed on 
former occasions, of joining the Federal 
Union. 

The former controversy with the State of 
New York, which had, already, produced so 
much difficulty, still remained unsettled. The 
authorities of that state were well aware 
that Vermont would now succeed in main- 
taining her independence ; and, it is proba- 
bly, the fact, that she entertained but little 
hostility to the measure. The former Gov- 
ernors of New York, had, however, made 
grants of extensive tracts of land in Ver- 
mont, the validity of which was not admit- 
ted by the government of Vermont. It was 
not conceived by New York, that she was 
under any particular obligations to refund 
the moneys received for these lands — they 
being the grants of the royal governors : A 
disposition was manifested, however, to com- 
promise the matter, on just and amicable 
terms : and, in accordance with these views, 
at a session of her Legislature, on the 15th 
of July, 1789, an act was passed, appointing 
a certain number of commissioners to ac- 
knowledge the sovereignty of Vermont, aixl 
adjust all difficulties with that State. Com- 
missioners were, also, appointed on the pari 



2^10 MEMOIR OP 

of Vermont, to treat with those of New York, 
and remove whatever obstructions existed to 
prevent her admission into the union. 

On the.Tth of October, 1790, "the com- 
missioners for New York, by virtue of tho 
powers to them granted for that purpose, de- 
clared the consent of the Legislature of 
New York, that the State of Vermont be 
admitted into the Union of the United States 
of America; and that, immediately upon 
such admission, all claims of jurisdiction of 
the State of New York, within the State of 
Vermont, shall cease ; and thenceforth, the 
perpetual line between the State of New 
York and the State of Vermont, shall be as 
was then holden and possessed by Vermont ;" 
that is, the West lines of the most Western 
towns which had been granted by New 
Hampshire, and the middle channel of Lake 
Champlain. — In regard to the lands granted 
under the Provincial government of New 
York, "the commissioners, by virtue of the 
powers to them granted, declare the will of 
the Legislature of New York, that if the 
Legislature of the State of Vermont should, 
on, or before, the first day of January, 1792, 
declare, that on, or before, the first day of 
June, 1794, the State of Vermont would pay 
the State of New York, the sum of thirty 
thousand dollars, that immediately from such 
declaration, by the Legislature of the State 
of Vermont, all rights and titles to lands 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 241 

within the State of Vermont, under grants 
from the government of the colony of New 
York, or from the State of New York, should 
cease," excepting those, which had been 
made in confirmation of the grants of New 
Hampshire. This proposal was readily 
agreed to by Vermont ; and, on the 28th of 
October, 1790, an act was passed directing 
the Treasurer of the State to pay the sum of 
thirty thousand dollars to the State of New 
York, at the proposed time. ' In this amica- 
h\e manner,' says Dr. Williams, ' was termi- 
nated a controversy which had been carried 
on, with great animosity, for twenty-six years.' 
The General Assembly of Vermont, com- 
menced its session at Bennington, on the 
10th of January, 1791 ; and, appointed Hon. 
Nath'l. Chipman, and Lewis R. Morris, Esq., 
Commissioners to attend Congress, and ne- 
. gociate the admission of the State into the 
union. They repaired to Philadelphia, and 
laid before the President of the United States 
the proceedings of the Convention and Le- 
gislature ; and, on the 15th of February, 
1791, Vermont was admitted into the Union, 
without debate, or a dissenting vote. 



We have thus given the reader a concise 
view of all the principal events in which Col. 
Allen was concerned : and, it is truly gratifying 
to consider, that, in all the trying scenes of his 
life— in all the vicissitudes attendant upon 
21 



242 MEMOIR OP 

a protracted, captivityT--he was never forget* 
ful of the rights of his fellow men,.or the cause 
of liberty in which his country was engaged. 
We have seen him cast aside, as unworthy 
the principles which governed him, the prof- 
fered honors of the British crown to betray 
his allegiance to his country's cause. We have 
seen him. adhering, with patriotic affection, to 
the interests .of that country, eveo while her 
efforts were directed to crush the rising pros- 
pects of his adopted state. What individual, 
then, will deny him the tribute of gratitude, 
or withhold from his memory, that mysterious 
feeling of veneration which patriotism ex- 
acts from the friends of hberty ? 

Col. Allen was the author of several polit- 
ical and religious Works. The former were 
principally illustrative of the ^measures adopt- 
ed by the people of the New Hampshire 
Grants, in relation to the position they assum- 
ed in the controversy with the New York au- 
thorities : and the latter were, probably, writ- 
ten more with a view to gratify a desire to 
occupy a space in the public mind, than for 
aiij other purpose. His religious sentiments, 
as promulgated in his writings, were nearly 
allied to Deism : Yet, it is quite probable, 
from the following anecdote, that his real 
opinions were based upon a different creed : 
A Dr. Elliot, who removed from Guilford, 
Conn., to Vermont, was well acquainted with 
Col. Allen, and made him a visit at a time 
when his daughter was very dangerously sick. 



COL. ETHArr AtLEN. 243 

He was introduced into theLibtary; where 
the Colonel read to him some of his writings. 
While thus engaged, a messenger entered, and 
informed him that his daughter was dying, and 
desired to speak with hmi. He immediately 
went to her chamber, accompanied by Dr. 
EUiot, who was desirous of witnessing the in- 
terview. The wife of Col. Allen was a pious 
woman, and had faithfully instructed her 
daughter in the principles of Christianity. As 
soon as her father appeared at her bed side, 
she said to him, "I am about to die : shall I 
beheve in the principles you have taught me, 
or shall I believe in what my mother has taught 
me ?" Col. Allen became extremely agitated : 
His chin quivered — his whole frame shook : 
and, after a lapse of a few minutes, he replied, 
''^Believe ivhat your mother has taup:ht you.^^ It 
would appear, from this, that however much 
Col. Alien might have indulged in the exer- 
cise of his fancy, upon religious matters, he 
was still, in principle, attached to the beauti- 
ful and holy precepts inculcated by our Savior* 
Col. Allen was brave, even to rashness : In 
support of this position, we submit to the 
reader the following adventure, related to us 
a short time since, by a gentleman remotely 
connected with him. — Soon after the Procla- 
mation of the Provincial Governor of New 
York, was received by the people of Vermont, 
in which a reward of one hundred pounds was 
offered for the apprehension of Allen, much 
anxiety was felt, by his friends, for his safety, 



244 MEMOIR OP 

on account of the many opportunities offered 
for arresting him. Allen, however, laughed at 
their fears ; and offered a bet that he would 
proceed to Albany — ahght at the most prom- 
inent house of entertainment — drink a bowl 
of punch, and, finally, escape unharmed. This 
was accepted : His necessary arrangements 
having been made, he proceeded to'xAlbany, 
and, after alighting, called for a bowl of punch 
according to the terms of the bet. It was 
soon whispered around, however, that "Ethan 
Allen was in the city ;" and, a large concourse 
of people collected about the house — among 
whom, was the Sheriff of Albany county. Al- 
len, however, remained unmoved. Having 
finished his punch, he went to the door^ 
mounted his horse, and, after giving a hearty 
'''huzza for Vermont /" departed, unharmed,, 
from the astonished and gaping multitude. 

The followino- anecdote, derived from a 
source entitled to credit, exhibits good evi- 
dence of the singularity, as well as the firm 
resolution of Col. Allen : He was, for a short 
period, a resident of Tinmouth, Vt. ; and was 
celebrated among his townsmen for acts of 
boldness, and a perfect contempt of every 
thing pertaining to cowardice, a she had been 
among the soldiery, in his previous military 
career. Being one day on a visit to a neigh- 
boring town, (Middletown,) he happened in 
at the house of a gentleman, who, though not 
a regular dentist, was, nevertheless, in the 
habit of extracting teeth. A woman came in, 



COL. ETttAN ALLEX. 245 

suffering from the pain of a decayed tooth, 
but without sufficient courage to permit an 
extraction. She frequently approached the 
ya/a/ seat, assigned for that purpose, and, as 
often retreated. Ahen, in the mean time, a 
very uneasy spectator, could restrain his feel- 
ings no longer. "Here," said he to the Dent- 
ist, "take out one of my teeth." "They are 
all sound. General."* "Never mind — do as I 
direct you." A tooth was extracted. "Now 
take c.ourage, madam, from the example I 
have given you," said Allen, to the trembling 
woman. Pride overcame her fears ; and she 
was soon relieved from apprehension and 
pain. 

An idea of the honesty and love of veracity 
of Col. Allen, may be obtained from the sub- 
joined anecdote : A certain individual, to 
whom he was indebted, had commenced a 
suit against him : and a lawyer had been em- 
ployed by him, to attend to it, and get the 
judgment postponed, if possible. As an easy 
method to effect this, the lawyer denied the 
signature of the note, knowing it would be 
almost impossible for the plaintiff to prove 
it genuine. Allen, who was present, could 
not submit to this trick of the law. Walking 
forward, through the crowd, he thus address- 
ed the astonished lawyer. "Mr. — , I did not 

* Col. Allen was, for a short period, the com- 
mander of the military forces of Vermont, with the 
rank of Brigadier General. 



246 MEMOIR OF 

employ you to come here and lie — I employ- 
ed you to tell the truth. The note is a true 
one— the signature is mine. All I ask of the 
court is, to grant me sufficient time to meet 
the payment." It is almost needless to add, 
that the plaintiff acceded to his wish. 

In canvassing the various events, in the 
life of Col. Allen, we arrive at the irresistible 
conclusion, that he was a staunch friend to 
liis country, a good citizen and an honest rnaru 
To the poor, his hand was ever open ; and, 
in behalf of the oppressed, his energies were 
ever directed. In short, he was of that class 
of men, who freely offered up their all in de- 
fence of the liberties of this happy and flour- 
ishing government ; and, as such, his deeds 
and his fame are associated with all our po- 
litical and civil privileges and blessings. 

The last years of his life were spent in 
Burlington, Vt, w^here he pursued the avoca- 
tion of a farmer. He died, in that town, on 
the 12th of February, 1789, of apoplexy. A 
plain marble slab covers his remains, oa 
which is the following inscription : 

THE 

CORPOREAL PART 

OF 

GEN. ETHAN ALLEN, 

RESTS BENEATH THIS STONE 

THE 12rM DAV OF FEBRUARY, 1789, 

AGED 50 YEARS. 
His spirit tried the mercies of his God^ 
In ivhom he believed^ and strongly trusted. 



COL. ETHAN ALLEN. 247 

ORIGLNAL LETTERS. 

TicoNDEROGA, 20th of Jtjly, 1775. 
Respectable Gentlemen — When I reflect ODlhe unhap- 
py controversy which hath many years subsisted be 
tween the Government of New York, and the settlers on 
the New Hampshire Grants ; and, also, contemplate on 
the friendship and union that hath lately taken place be- 
tween the Government and those of its former discon- 
tented subjects, in making a united resistance against 
IMinisterial vengeance and slavery, I cannot but indulge 
fond hopes of reconciliation. To promote this salutary 
end, [ shall contribute my influence ; assuring your Hon- 
ours, that your respectful treatment, not only to Mr. 
Warner and myself, but to the Green Mountain Boys in 
general, in forming them into a battallion, are, by them, 
duly regarded ; and I will be responsible that they will 
retaliate this favour, by boldly hazarding their lives, 
if need be, in the common cause of Americd. 

I hope no gentleman in the Congress will retain any 
preconceived prejudice against me ; as, on my part, I 
shall not against any of them ; but, as soon as opportu- 
nity may permit, and the public cause not suffer there- 
by, shall hold myself in readiness to settle all former 
difficulties and grievances, on honourable terms. 

I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your de- 
voted, most obedient, humble servant, 

ETHAN ALLEN. 

To the Hon. Provincial Congress ^ JVew York, 

Crownpoint, 2d of June, 1775. 
Respectable Gentlemen — Before this time, you havCf 
undoubtedly, received intelligence not only of the taking 
the fortified places on Lake Champlain, and also the 
armed sloop and boats therein, and the taking possess- 
ion of a schooner which is the property of Maj. Skene, 
and armed and manned it, and of the conversion of 
them, with a large train of artillery, to the defence of 
the liberty and constitutional rights of America. You 
have, likewise, undoubtedly, been informed that the e»- 
peditioa was undertaken at the special encouragement 



•248 ORIGINAL LETTERS. 

and request of a number of respectable gentlemen, 
in the colony of Connecticut. The pork forwarded to 
subsist tlie army, by your Honours' directions, evinces 
'your approbation of the procedure, and, as it was a pri- 
vate expedition, and common fame reports that there are 
a number of overgrown tories in the Province, your 
Honours will the readier excuse me in not first taking 
your advice m the matter, lest the enterprizes might have 
been prevented by their treachery. It is here reported, 
that some of them have lately been savingly converted, 
and that others have lost their influence. If, in those 
achievements, there be any thing honourary, the sub- 
jects of your Government, viz : the New Hampshire 
settlers — are justly entitled to a large share, as they had 
a great majority of numbers of the soldiery, as v/ell as 
the command in making those acquisitions ; and, as your 
Honours justify and approve the same, I desire and ex- 
])ect your Honours already have, or soon will, lay before 
the Graud Continental Congress, the great disadvantage 
it must eventually be to the Colonies, to evacuate Lake 
Champlain, and give up to the enemies of our country, 
those invaluable acquisitions, the key of either Canada 
or of our country, according as which party holds the 
same in possession, and makes a proper improvement of 
it. The key is ours as yet ; and, provided the Colonies 
would suddenly push an army of two or three thousand 
men into Canada, they might make a conquest of all that 
would oppose them in the extensive Province of Quebec, 
except reinforcements from England should prevent it- 
Such a diversion would weaken Gen. Gage, or insure us 
of Canada. I wish to God, America would, at this criti- 
cal juncture, exert herself agreeable to the indignity of- 
lered her by a tyrannical ministry. She might rise, on 
eagles* wings, and mount up to glory, freedom and in>- 
mortal honour, if she did know and exert her strength. 
Fame is now hovering over her head. A vast^continent 
must now sink to slavery, poverty, horror and bondage, 
or rise to unconquerable freedom, immense wealth, iiv- 
expressible felicity and immortal fame. / will lay my 
life m it, that with fifteen hundred men and a proper or- 
tillerp, I will take Montreal ; provided, 1 .could thus be 



ORIGINAL LETEKS. 249 

furnished : and, if an army could command the field, it 
would be no insuperable difficulty to take Quebec. This 
object should be pursued, though it should take ten thou- 
sand men to accomplish the end proposed, for England 
cannot spare but a certain number of her troops ; nay, 
she has but a small number that are disciplined, and it is 
as long as it is broad, the more that are sent to Quebec, 
the less they can send to Boston, or any other part of the 
continent, and there will be this unspeakable advantage 
in directing the war into Canada, that instead of turning 
Hie Canadians and Indians against us, (as is wrongty 
suggested by many,) it would unavoidably attain and 
connect them to our interest. Our friends in Canada 
can never help us, till we first help them, except in a 
passive or inactiue manner. There are, now, but about 
seven hundred regular troops in Canada. I have lately 
had sundry conferences with the Indians: they are very 
friendly. Capt. Abraham Nimham, a Stockbridge In- 
dian, and Mr. Winthrop Hoit, who has sundry years 
lived with the Cachnewagas, in the capacity of a prisoner, 
and was made an adopted son to a motherly squaw of 
that tribe, have both been gone ten days to treat with 
the Indians as our embassadors of peace and friendship. 
I expect, in a few weeks, to hear from them. By them 
I sent a friendly letter to the Indians, which Mr, Hoit can 
explain to them in Indian. The thing that so unites the 
temper of the Indians to us, is onr taking the sovereign- 
ty of Lake Champlain. They have not enough to make 
a good bargain, and stand by the strongest side ; much 
the same may be said of the Canadians. They have no 
personal controversy with us, but act on political princi- 
ples. If we evacuate Lake Champlain, and retire to 
Lake George, Gov. Carlton can, by intrigue, and will 
not fail, to draw them into his interest. If we hold the 
supremacy, we shall do the same ; for cunning and pow- 
er are but the same thing, be it exercised by either Carl- 
ton or us ; but cunning, without power, can hold no 
equal contest with that which is armed with it. It may be 
thought, that to push an army into Canada, would be too 
premature and imprudent ; if so, I propose to make a 
Stand at the Isle aux Noix, which the French fortified by 



250 ORlGir^AL LETTERS. 

entrenchment the last war, and greatly fatigued our ai>' 
my to take it. It is about fifteen miles this side of Saint 
Johns; and is an Island in the river, on which a small 
aLrtillery placed, would command it. An establishment 
of a frontier so far North, would not only better secure 
our own frontier, but put it into our power to better work 
our policy with the Canadians and Indians ; or, if need 
be, to make incursions into the territory of Canada, the 
same as they could into our country, provided they had 
th^ sovereignty of Lake Champlain, and had erected 
Head Quarters at, or near Skenesborough. Our only 
having it in our power to thus make incursions into Can- 
ada, might probably, be the very reason why it would 
be unnecessary so to do, even if the Canadians should 
prove more refractory than I think for. Lastly, with 
submission, I would propose to your Honours to raise a 
small regiment of Rangers, which I could easily do, and' 
that mostly in the counties of Albany and Charlotte, pro- 
vided your Honours should think it expedient to grant 
commissions, and thus regulate and put the same under 
pay. Probably your Honours may think this an imper- 
tinent proposal : It is, truly, the first favour I ever ask- 
ed of tlie Government; andif it be granted, I shall be 
zealously ambitious to conduct for the best good of my 
country, and the honour of the Government. 

I subscribe myself. Gentlemen, with due respect, your 
Honours'* most obedient, humble servant, 

ETHAN ALLEN. 
Gentlemen, in the narrative contained in the enclosed., 
was too materially omitted, the valour and intrepidity of 
Col. James Easton, and forty six veteran soldiers from 
the Massachusetts Bay, who assisted in the taking Ti- 
conderoga. Col. Easton is just returned from the Pro- 
vincial Congress of the Massachusetts Bay, to thisplace, 
and expects he will soon have the command of a regi- 
ment from that Province. Yours, &c. 

ETHAN ALLEN. 
TicONDEROGA, tho 4th of JuNE, 1775^ 
To our worthy and respectable friends and country- 
men, the French People of Canada, Greeting. 
Friends and fellow-countrymen :-— You are, undoubl- 



ORIGINAL LETTERS. 251 

etlly, more or less acatmipted with the unnatural and un- 
happy controversy subsisting between Great Britain and 
her colonies, the particulars of which, in this letter, we 
do not expatiate upon, but refer your consideration to tho 
justice and equitableness thereof, qn the part of the 
colonies, to the former knowledge that you have had of 
this matter. We need only observe, that the inhabitants 
of thecolonies view the controversy, on their part, to be 
justifiable in the sight of God and all unprejudiced and 
honest men that have, or may have, opportunity and 
ability to examine into the merits of it. Upon this 
principle, those inhabitants determine to vindicate their 
cause, and maintain their natural and constitutional 
rights and liberties, at the expence of their lives and 
fortunes ; but have not the least disposition to injure, mo- 
lest^ or any way de|)rive our fellow subjects, the Canadi- 
ans, of their liberty , or property ; nor. have they any design 
to wage war against them : and, from all intimations tlta 
the inhabitants ofthe said colonies have received from the* 
Canadians, it has appeared that they were alike dis- 
posed for friendship and neutrality, and not at all dis* 
posed to take part with the King's .troops in the pres- 
ent civil war, againsi the colonies. We y/ere, never- 
theless, surprised to hear that a number of about thirty 
Canadians attacked our reconnoitring party, consisting 
of four men— fi.red en them, and pursued them, and obl^• 
ged them [0 return the fire. This is the account of tllo 
party which have since arrived at .Head Quarters, We 
desire to know, of any gentleman Canadians, the ifiCts 
of the ease, as one story is good till another is told. Our 
general orders to the soldiery was that they should not, 
on pain of death, molest or kill any of your people, but, 
if it shall appear, upon examination, that our reconnoV 
tring party commenced hostilities against your peopte, 
they shall suffer agreeable to the sentence of a Court 
Martial, for our special orders from the colonies are to 
befriend and protect you if need be, sg that i^ you desire 
their friendship, you are invited to embrace it, for notli- 
jng can be more undesirable to your friends in the cok)- 
nies, than a war with their fellow subjects, the Cana.di^ 
ans, or with the Indians. You are very seasjble thai war 



252 ORIGINAL LETTERS* 

has already commenced between England and the colo- 
nies. Hostilities have already began. To fight the 
King's troops has become a necessary and incumbent du- 
ty. The colonies cannot avoid it, but pray is it necessa- 
rj' that the Canadians and the inhabitants of the English 
colonies should butcher one another? God forbid! there 
is no controversy subsisting between you and them.— 
Pray let old England and the colonies fight it out, and* 
you, Canadians, stand by and see what an arm of flesh 
can do ! We are apprehensive that the conduct of your 
}>eopIe before complained of, had not a general approba- 
tion ; and are still confident that your country, as such, 
will not wage war with the colonies or approve the afore- 
said hostile conduct of your people, as vve conceive it to 
be impolitic, to the last degree, for the Canadians to en- 
ter into a bloody war without either a provocation or 
motive ; and when at the same time, every motive of 
interest, virtue and hoi^our, are ready at hand to dis- 
suade you from iu In fine, we conclude Saint Luke, Capt 
McCoy, and other evil minded persons, whose interest 
and inclination it is, ihat the Canadians and the people 
of those colonies should cut one another's throats, have 
enveigled some of the baser sort of your people to at- 
tack our said reconnoitring party. We expect, gentle- 
men, as to these particulars, you will, in good time, in- 
form us ; and subscribe ourselves. Your real friends, 

ETHAN ALLEN, ') Jit present, the princi^ 

> j}al commanders of 
JAMES EASTON, ) the army. 

A copy of the foregoing letter was, this day, sent to 
IVlr. Walker, our trusty friend, at Montreal, per favour 
of Mr. Jefiere, whose fidelity is unquestionable, and it is 
wholly left with Mr. Walker to make its contents the most 
public that he possibly can, whether by printing it and 
translating it into French, &c. We, furthermore, 
thought it expedient your Honours should have a copy 
communicated to you. Yours, at command, 

ETHAN ALLEN, 
JAMES EASTON. 





















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